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Woods retains light heavyweight title

30/09/2007

Clinton Woods retained his IBF light heavyweight title with a unanimous points decision over Mexican Julio Cesar Gonzalez in Sheffield last night.

It was the fourth successful defence of the title Woods won against Rico Hoye two years ago, though it was the Sheffield fighter's first bout in a year following persistent injury problems.

The fight was a fairly even contest until Woods seized the initiative in round nine, taking the attack to Gonzalez.

Woods almost knocked out the challenger in round 11 but could not find the finishing blow. However, his endeavours were enough to hand him a unanimous victory, 117-111 115-113 116-112.

It was Woods' second win over the Mexican having beaten him in 2005 and the 35-year-old had nothing but praise for his opponent.

Woods said: I'm tough but he matched me all the way. It's a pleasure to be in with guys like this and to prove to Sheffield that boxing is the best sport there is.

"I thought I had him in the 11th round, but he came back. It was just a tough night."

Woods said he hoped to fight again within the next six months as he looks to solidify himself as the leading fighter in the light heavyweight division.

In Atlantic City Kelly Pavlik pulled off a surprise victory over Jermaine Taylor for the WBC and WBO middleweight belts.

Both men wee undefeated going into the contest but it was Pavlik who emerged the stronger in front of a packed crowd at the Boardwalk Hall.

Taylor, who defeated Bernard Hopkins two years ago to claim the titles, had Pavlik in trouble early on, sending him to the canvas in round two.

The 25-year-old weathered the champion's salvo and fought his way into the match. Midway through the seventh round Pavlik caught Taylor with a series of powerful blows which rocked him and eventually knocked him out.