You are in > manchester.com  > News > Calzaghe beckons as Woods fends off Johnson

Boxing

Calzaghe beckons as Woods fends off Johnson

03/09/2006

Clinton Woods could be in line for a super showdown with Joe Calzaghe after the Sheffield fighter retained his IBF light heavyweight title via a split decision victory over Glen Johnson in Bolton.

The 34-year-old Briton narrowly edged a brutal bout with the Jamaican former champion last night despite coming within inches of losing in the ninth round.

A succession of hammer hits from Johnson, who won the pair's previous two fights, left Woods dazed and the referee twice looked in to see whether he should stop the fight.

But amazingly Woods regained his senses and recovered to finish the fight with three awesome rounds which left his 37-year-old opponent reeling.

The two fighters' celebrations after the final bell told the final story as Woods was lifted to acclaim while Woods just nodded round the ring in resignation.

After hearing the decision, Woods, who had Ricky Hatton in his corner for the fight, said: "Since winning the world title and fulfilling my dream, the only thing left that I wanted was beating Johnson and I did it.

"He hit me with some big shots in the ninth round. He is so awkward to fight against. He's been a great champion. I'm just happy with the win."

The inevitable question of whether he will next fight Calzaghe, the WBO and IBF super-middleweight champion, also arose soon after the fight and Woods admitted he would love the bout to be arranged.

© Adfero Ltd