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Well they say that the third time is the charm and Sheffield’s Clinton Woods will be hoping this is true when he clashes with American rival Glen Johnson, 44-10-2 (29), for a third time this Saturday at the Reebok Centre in Bolton, England. Woods, 39-3-1 (24), will be making the third defence of his precious IBF title and will be hoping that a win will elevate him to the big money fights that he craves.
A pro since 1994, Woods won his first title in 1996 at super middleweight when he captured the British Central Area title. This was followed by the Commonwealth title a year later.
After losing the Commonwealth 168 pound crown in 1998 against future two time world title challenger David Starie, Woods decided it was time for a move to the 175 pound decision and he captured the British, Commonwealth and European titles in March 1999 with an eighth round stoppage win over the unpredictable Crawford Ashley.
Over the next three years, Woods remained undefeated while waiting for his big world title chance. Unfortunately for Woods, this came on American soil against pound for pound number one Roy Jones Jr in September 2002. Woods, although game, was outclassed and his corner threw in the towel in the sixth round.
Woods never give up his quest to become a world champion and after three comeback wins, he was matched against Glen Johnson for the IBF title in November 2003 in Woods hometown of Sheffield. After 12 hard fought rounds the result was a draw, although many thought Johnson deserved the decision.
Three months later in February 2004, the two met again and this time Johnson was declared the winner on points.
This looked to be the end for Woods but after a comeback win, he was again in a fight for the IBF title. This time Woods got it right and KO’d the previously undefeated Rico Hoye in five rounds in March 2005. After two impressive defences, he finds himself sharing a ring once again with Glen Johnson.
Johnson, like Woods, certainly hasn’t done things the easy way. Four years Woods’ senior, Johnson has been a pro since 1993 when he campaigned at middleweight. His first world title shot was back in 1997 when he was stopped in 11 by Bernard Hopkins. This convinced Johnson to move up to the super middleweight division where he gained two more world title shots.
Johnson lost both bouts on decisions to IBF Champion Sven Ottke in 1999 and WBU Champion Silvio Branco in 2000. Both these losses happened in the champion’s home country. Add this to two other disputed decision losses, against Omar Sheika and Syd Vanderpool, and a lesser man might have given up there and then.
Johnson, however, battled on in the 175 pound division, winning more than losing and was eventually rewarded with another world title chance, this time against Clinton Woods. Yet again the bout would take place in his opponents hometown. Johnson earned a draw during this bout in November 2003 but gained redemption three months later to eventually become a world champion.
After years of toil on the road for Johnson, he would eventually be rewarded with the big fights against the major players in the division. In September 2004, he KO’d ex-champion Roy Jones Jr and then split two bouts with the division’s new number one man Antonio Tarver in December 2004 and June 2005. In his last bout in February, Johnson dominated former world championship contender Richard Hall, winning a lopsided 12 round decision.
So what happens on Saturday night? Both men know each other so well. Woods at 34 appears to be hitting the form of his life and his 2 defences seemed to show that he’s getting better and better. Also more importantly, his confidence seems to be sky high and in the back of his mind, he must be thinking of a possible big money fight against Welshman Joe Calzaghe or even American Roy Jones Jr, who has come back from what was thought to be career ending losses, with a win.
This is such a tough one to call. Woods has the home advantage, however things like that won’t affect Glen Johnson. They didn’t before so why would they now? There is also the distinct possibility that Johnson could grow old all of a sudden. Again, its a big ask.
As in the previous two bouts, I see a tough night for Woods but I really think this time he can get the job done. With a three inch height advantage, he can work behind his jab and give Johnson angles. In a close one, I think it will be third time lucky for the Englishman on a close points decision.
On the undercard of Woods – Johnson III, hometown hero Amir Khan has his ninth professional bout when he takes on fellow Englishman Ryan Barrett, who has a respectable 12 wins in 15 bouts. Khan again should maintain his unbeaten record and hopefully he will continue to learn with each passing fight.
