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Clinton Woods will make the first defence of his IBF light-heavyweight crown against mandatory challenger Julio Gonzalez on September 9 as big time Boxing returns to Sheffield’s Hallam FM Arena following an absence of five years.
Woods’ manager, Dennis Hobson, admitted: “Negotiations with the Americans have been exhausting but we were desperate to bring the fight to Sheffield because we want to be involved in staging major events in this country. Some big names have graced this arena, from Chris Eubank to Joe Calzaghe. We’re extremely excited about putting this show on there and we at Fight Academy hope it is one of many.”
The 28-year-old Gonzalez will have other ideas though and will enter the ring as a former world champion. In October 2003, the Mexican travelled to Hamburg and ended the 48-fight unbeaten record of local hero Dariusz Michalczewski to capture the WBO title. However, Gonzalez lost his championship in his first defence, on points to Hungary’s Zsolt Erdei but has since rebounded with three straight wins to seal his title crack against Woods.
“In Glen Johnson, Gonzalez has beaten the man who defeated Clinton and he took Roy Jones the distance when Jones was in his prime. Gonzalez was also the first man to defeat Dariusz Michalczewki and he did it in Michalczewski’s backyard,” explained Hobson.
“Gonzalez is amazingly tough and this will be a big test for Clinton. If he doesn’t maintain the standards he set against Rico Hoye he is going to struggle,” he added.
Woods fulfilled a lifelong ambition by winning the world title at the fourth time of asking with an upset fifth round stoppage over the previously unbeaten Rico Hoye in March to place the Yorkshireman in line for some money spinning clashes in the near future.
“If Clinton gets by Gonzalez then we could be looking at him meeting a massive name after that whether it be Roy Jones Jr, Antonio Tarver or eventually Joe Calzaghe. This is the calibre of fights that hopefully the public can look forward too but first Clinton has a huge hurdle to get over by defeating his mandatory challenger,” Hobson revealed.
And despite being on cloud nine since claiming the coveted IBF world title Hobson is keen to reiterate that Woods’ desire remains just as strong.
“Clinton’s walking around with a spring in his step, he’s finally achieved his goal but he’s not going to let it go lightly. Both Clinton and his trainer Richard Poxon are very professional. Clinton has improved under Richard and will continue to do so now he’s won the world title.”
Woods will face a severe test of his credentials against Gonzalez who boasts an outstanding record of 38 wins from his 40 contests in what promises to be a gruelling battle.
“Clinton’s never involved in a dull fight, he’s not a runner, and he’s a similar character to Ricky Hatton who is also an IBF champion. Both Ricky and Clinton want to fight the best and aren’t interested in trash talking. They are true professionals and warriors in the ring,” said Hobson.
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© Copyright / All Rights reserved: Doghouse Boxing 1998-2005
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By Media Report (July 12, 2005)
