IBF light heavyweight champion Clinton Woods has dismissed undefeated prospect 'Bad' Chad Dawson's challenge as premature.
Dawson fights former world title challenger Eric Harding on Showtime on Friday night and, earlier this week, SecondsOut published quotes from the hot property's highly respected trainer Dan Birmingham, who said he and Dawson would take a fight 'right now' with Woods.
But Woods dismissed the tough talk with a shrug, saying: "Dawson just isn't ready to even thing about fighting me yet."
"I know all about Dawson," Woods continued. "He's looking good at his level but his trainer is getting a bit carried away, calling me out already. Dawson's another Rico Hoye. He's got a great-looking undefeated record, he's tall (6ft 3inch) and even has the same promoter, Gary Shaw. But the last time Shaw sent over someone to beat me I sent him (Hoye) back to America unconscious. If they really want me to ruin another prospect, I'll be happy come over to America and do it."
Woods smashed the heavily hyped Hoye in five rounds in their February 2005 clash for the vacant IBF world title, and has gone from strength to strength since, out-boxing Julio Gonzalez and, two weeks ago, stopping Jason DeLisle.
Woods said: "I believe I'm the strongest fighter in the division now. I've improved so much in the last two years. Dawson, really, is just a kid with a bit of ability. I'd spank his arse and send him back to his room to do his homework. And he need to do a lot of homework before he starts mentioning my name."
Woods's promoter Dennis Hobson added: "I read that Dawson's trainer said he'd take a match with Clinton right now, but Clinton would ruin him. Dawson's got to serve his apprenticeship yet before he fights Clinton. If he looks good this Friday in beating Harding, have Dawson fight a Rico Hoye or Julio Gonzalez in an eliminator and then he can start calling out Clinton. www.secondsout.com
It would be a big step up for Dawson but i think he could well surprise Woods and take the title off him.
