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Clinton Woods retained his IBF Light Heavyweight crown late last night in Sheffield, England by outfighting game challenger Julio Gonzalez over an action packed twelve round battle. Gonzalez, a former WBO titlist, was never able to establish his authority despite putting constant pressure on Woods. The American based Mexican did have his moments throughout, particularly in a few middle rounds, but it was the sharper boxing skills of the Englishman that proved to be the decisive element in this violent struggle.
Gonzalez had been tipped by most to take the IBF title from Woods as the former European, Commonwealth and British Champion again found himself the underdog in a world title bout. But just as in his previous bout, against unblemished American contender Rico Hoye, the Midlands veteran confounded skeptics by schooling his adversary.
The Woods camp will now turn their attention to the outcome of both Roy Jones’ upcoming return against his nemesis Antonio Tarver on October 1st and Glen Johnson’s IBF title eliminator versus George “Khalid” Jones on the 30th of this month. The 33 year old British hero has vowed to defend his title against both Roy Jones and Johnson, seeking revenge
from losses to both men.
Regardless of who he faces next, Clinton Woods can bask in the glow of defeating two favored American based opponents who many in the media, even in the UK, believed would humble the man of Sheffield Steel.
