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The Steel City’s favourite son Clinton Woods has landed a stunning shot at former undisputed world light-heavyweight champion Antonio Tarver in April.
Woods will travel to Tarver’s Florida hometown Tampa on April 12 to defend his IBF light-heavyweight crown.
Woods has held his title for three years and his tilt at Tarver will be the fifth defence of his crown. Even though the Sheffield hero could have stayed in Britain and fought a lesser opponent, he was determined to take on Tarver, who was a star of the Rocky VI movie.
“Tarver may have beaten Rocky Balboa but he won’t get past me,” said Woods. “It is a fight I have been longing for. He told me he would beat me years ago, well now he has got the chance. He can’t run any longer because the deal has been made. It is smell the coffee time and he is going to find out the hard way what a thorough beating is all about.
“He lost to old man Bernard Hopkins on points but I am going to knock him out and then my status as the best light-heavyweight in the world will be confirmed. If Joe Calzaghe gets past Grandad Hopkins the week after I make mincemeat of Tarver, he can come looking for me. I’m ready for Calzaghe anytime and any place and he knows it.”
Woods’ promoter Dennis Hobson said today “It’s been a pleasure putting this show together with Gary Shaw and of course Ken Hershman of Showtime.
This time the U.S audience is getting to see what the REAL Clinton is capable of. Gary and I have a god relationship and when Clinton disposes of Tarver I’l look forward to sitting with him and discussing the Dawson unification match”
Woods-Tarver has all the makings of a classic as the American will be desperate to get his hands on a version of the world title, while Woods knows victory will strengthen his claim to being the best in the division.
Woods said: “That’s why I am prepared to go to America to prove myself. My fans will have a great time in Florida soaking up the sun and then they can watch me swarm all over Tarver. I don’t think I am the best light-heavy in the world. I know it.”
Woods may be 35 but his boxing reputation continues to soar following hard fought victories over Glencoffe Johnson and Julio Cesar Gonzalez in recent years.
His showdown with Tarver at the St Pete Times Forum in Tampa will be a hot ticket, with Johnson set to fight unbeaten WBC champion Chad Dawson on the same bill.
Woods’ promoter Dennis Hobson said: “It promises to be an incredible night of boxing. Either of these two fights would be a headline grabber, but the fact that both are on the same night in the same venue means real value for money for boxing fans.
“Clinton is only interested in the big fights and they certainly don’t come much bigger than Tarver. He is a proven star in the light-heavy division and a fighter who once held the undisputed title, which says all you need to know about him. Clinton will have to be at his best to beat Tarver, especially in his hometown – no doubt about that.”
Woods is adamant that victory over the American must surely set up a clash with Calzaghe later this year, should the Welshman get past Hopkins.
“That has got to be the dream,” said Woods. “I think me against Tarver and Calzaghe versus Hopkins are the semi-finals, with the winner facing each other in the final. Even though Hopkins is old he will still be a formidable test for Joe Calzaghe.
“I will spark out Tarver the week before Calzaghe fights Hopkins and then watch from ringside while the other semi-final goes ahead.
“The light-heavyweight division has certainly got an amazing April coming up and I intend to start it of with a bang.”
