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On February 14, Star Boxing’s world rated light heavyweight contender Elvir “Kosovo Kid” Muriqi, 35-4 (22), will travel across the Atlantic to take on former IBF light heavyweight champion Clinton Woods, 41-4-1 (24).
The bout will be held in Woods native United Kingdom at the exclusive and legendary Hotel De France, Jersey, Channel Islands and will be an official IBF eliminator for the #2 ranking in the light heavyweight division. The card will be promoted by Dennis Hobson Promotions in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.
In 2007, Muriqi lost a highly disputed majority decision to former light heavyweight king, Antonio Tarver. Many of those watching and those in attendance felt Muriqi’s did more than enough to pull out the victory.
Muriqi bounced back earlier this year, stopping Jameel Wilson in the fourth round of their ten round scheduled light heavyweight contest. Woods last fought against Antonio Tarver on April 12, losing a twelve round decision to Tarver and in the process losing his IBF belt.
“I am very excited for this fight,” stated Muriqi. “This is a huge fight for me and my career. A win over Woods, puts me right at the top of the ratings and into title contention.”
Regarding fighting Woods in his home country, Muriqi did not seem to be too worried, if at all. “I realize I am fighting in his country, but I am going to win the fight so convincingly there will be no need for judges. I know Woods is a very tough fighter and that he can take a very good shot so I am preparing to go the entire twelve rounds but don’t think I will need to put the judges to work.
“It is going to be a very exciting, action packed fight. Anyone who knows me knows that I always come to fight and always put on a good showing, and that’s exactly what I am going to do come February 14th.”
Star Boxing CEO Joe DeGuardia voiced a similar opinion regarding the confidence in Muriqi winning the fight. “This is a very good fight for Elvir. It is going to be a tough fight though, we know that, but after sitting down with Elvir and his team we are all confident of the outcome.
“Elvir has already been training for this fight for a few weeks now and he is already in tremendous shape. It is going to be a great night for Elvir and for Star Boxing on the 14th and we are really looking forward to it.”
“We are very excited to be bringing these two world class fighters together on February 14th,” said Wood’s promoter Dennis Hobson. “This is a major event for us and also for the entire island of Jersey. I think this fight is a little bit similar to the Rico Hoye situation,” Hobson said, with regards to when Woods beat Hoye to finally become a world champion.
“Elvir Muriqi is a roughhouse type of opponent who is desperate to get in position for a title fight next. With Muriqi’s style of fighting, there’s no way the fight can fail to be exciting.”
Woods voiced a similar opinion as Muriqi to how big this fight is at this stage of his career. “I have one more chance now. Dennis has got me into the position where if I beat this guy I will get a world title fight,” Woods said.
“I think Muriqi beat Tarver, and he’s also got the chance to get back to world level again. I promise my fans who spent a lot of money to come and see me fight in Tampa, I’ll repay them with a world title next year. It will definitely be a win for me.”
