LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT

CLINTON WOODS

IBF light-heavyweight champion
Billed: Sheffield
Fights: 42, Won: 38, Lost 3, Drawn 1

On September 2, 2006, Clinton Woods established himself as the best light heavyweight in the world with a heart-stopping win over nemesis Glen Johnson.

Showing improved physically strength and punch power in addition to a frightening will to win, Clinton melted down the 'Road Warrior' in the last three rounds of a brutal war to clinch a sweet points decision.

The Sheffield folk hero can now pick and choose from a multitude of big fight options. But, whoever he fights next, Woods is now "the man" at 12stone 7lbs (175lbs) and in the form he is in fears no-one.

The doubters who believed Woods would lose to Johnson and refused to accept that Woods is continuing to improve at geometric rates aged 34 obviously hadn't been paying attention.

Woods had hammered game challenger Jason DeLisle on May 13, 2006, in Sheffield in six of the most impressive rounds of his career.

And before that, in September 2005, Clinton had outboxed No.1 contender and former champion Julio Gonzalez in 12 impressive rounds and, before that, had destroyed the much-feared unbeaten puncher Rico Hoye to win the vacant IBF title.

Woods, trainer Richard Poxon and promoter Dennis Hobson, who has been with Woods almost since his first day at the gym, all believe the clean-living former undefeated British, Commonwealth and European Champion can dominate the world title scene for years to come.
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT

JOHN IBBOTSON

Undefeated Light Heavyweight Prospect
Billed: Sheffield
Height: 6ft 3inches
Weight: 12stone 7lbs(estimate)
Trainer: Richard Poxon

Professional Record - W 8 (4 ko's)  |  L 1  |  D 1  |

Hot prospect Ibbotson certainly lived up to his new ring name 'the Steel City Assassin' when he clinically took out Rob Burton in two devastating rounds in Sheffield in October.

The 24-year-old had to settle for a six round draw when he last faced Burton in June, blaming poor decisions in making weight for his uncharacteristically listless performance.

Anxious to set the record straight, Ibbotson begged promoter Dennis Hobson to get the return.

He explained: "I wasn't myself in the first fight. I was so weak I was embarrassed about it. I totally messed up my last few weeks of training but it was a harsh lesson I had to learn. I'm just so happy I've got the chance to set the record straight and show everyone that I'm leagues above what I performed in June."

And how he did that. Ibbotson bullied his rival from the opening bell, shelling Burton from mid-range until landing a devastating left hook in the second round which left Burton in a heap.

"I promised everyone it wouldn't get three rounds," the Assassin said afterwards. "Even my parents were telling me to box him and to watch out but I know I'll become world class and that, when I am fit, I am way above this level. I am taking my weight making very seriously now and there's no-one in the division I am afraid of."

The young hotshot has enlisted the help of fitness and nutrition guru Kerry Kayes, the man behind Ricky Hatton's phenomenal fitness and energy levels, to help ensure he never enters the squared circle with low energy levels again.

Ibbotson said: "Kerry has given me a diet and I've stuck to it to the letter. I've also been working with weights and I feel very powerful, I feel great, and I can actually see the difference in my body."

Promoter Dennis Hobson has high hopes for the box-puncher, even comparing Ibbotson to a young Clinton Woods. Of course, Sheffield's reigning World Light Heavyweight Champion Woods had to overcome all sort of adversity before he established himself as the world's best fighter at 12stone 7lbs (175lbs).

However, scratching out his one career blemish thus far was a test of character and you have to stay a test Ibbo passed with flying colours.