Boxing Preview Analysis: Clinton Woods – Jason DeLisle

While Ricky Hatton flies the British flag in Boston, Clinton Woods makes the second defence of his IBF Light Heavyweight Championship at the Ponds Forge Leisure Centre this Saturday night in his hometown of Sheffield. In the opposite corner is a man he knows very well; Australian Jason DeLisle. “The Nailer” intends to stand in the way of Woods’ title defence and will

Click for larger image © James Slater Saddo Boxing

be out for revenge for a 12th round stoppage loss to the champion in a 2004 eliminator after flooring the Briton in the first.

Woods finally won the title in his fourth attempt in March 2005 after previous failed bids against Roy Jones Jnr and Glencoffe Johnson.

Prior to his world title win, Woods was seen by many as a capable domestic and European level fighter, having won the British, Commonwealth and European titles at 175 as well as the Commonwealth Championship at 168. Certainly a brave defeat to Roy Jones Jnr for all the major world titles in September 2002 didn’t harm his cause but after a disputed draw and then a unanimous points defeat to Glen Johnson for the IBF Light Heavy title, it seemed that at age 31 he would have to content himself with more domestic honours.

However in 2005 Woods would get one more chance and although tipped by many to lose to unbeaten American Rico Hoye, Clinton took his chance with both hands, bulldozing his way to a fifth round stoppage win. Then followed probably the finest victory of his career in his first defence when he widely outscored dangerous American Julio Gonzalez last September. A successful defence against DeLisle could see the big fights he craves against the likes of Antonio Tarver and Joe Calzaghe.

Australian Jason DeLisle will be looking to spoil Woods’ plans. No stranger to Woods, DeLisle fought well in their first fight before losing during the last round in October 2004 in Sheffield. The challenger has a respectable record of 18 wins with only 4 defeats with 2 draws, with half of his wins coming by way of stoppage. Apart from Woods, the biggest name on the Australian’s record is Julio Gonzalez, a bout in which he started well before Gonzalez got into his stride, taking over in the second half of the bout. Strangely enough, that loss earned this rematch with Woods.

When DeLisle takes on Woods this Saturday, it will be only his third fight away from his native Australia. Big fight experience massively favours Woods in this one and he appears to be in the best form of his life having turned in his career performance last time out against Gonzalez. DeLisle’s best option one feels is to try to dictate the pace of the fight and stay busy, as the Australian appears to have no problems with stamina.

But this appears to be Woods’ time. After trying for a World title so long, its going to take a Herculean effort from anyone to relieve Woods of his title and future big money fights

I see a fight similar to Woods’ defence against Gonzalez, in which he put on a masterful boxing display. I think DeLisle will last the distance but will ultimately be picked off, losing a unanimous points decision in a bout that hopefully starts a great night for British Boxing.