Sheffield's world champion gave a resilient display to defeat Julio Gonzalez in a nail biting contest, coming through a long term injury scare, and silencing doubters after a year since his last defence.

The fight was frenetic from start to finish with Woods looking strong from start to finish. However the challenger, who has never been stopped in his career showed the grit and determination to stay in contention.

It wasn't until round nine, when Woods took the initiative and put Gonzalez on the back foot, and almost sent the Mexican to the floor in round 11.

Gonzalez was almost stopped by the doctor after picking up a wide cut on his right brow in the penultimate round, but it was decided that both boxers would see out the final round.

After the fight 35-year-old Clinton spoke with BBC Radio Sheffield's Seth Bennett:

"He's a tough guy, maybe the toughest kid I've ever boxed big respect to him and I hope one day, well not my title but he'll probably win another title.

"I did feel a bit tired in the fight, but everybody's telling me what a great fight it were. I'm glad people enjoyed it and I'm glad I got the win.

"It got a bit dodgy in some of the rounds, but I come back and in the eleventh round thought I'd got him and thought I'd stop him but he kept on fighting back.

"He had a good twelfth round but I got the decision in the end and thought I deserved the decision... I'm just looking forward to my next fight.

"I'm a bit battered and bruised but I loved it, the crowd were absolutely fantastic, thanks to everybody who turned up, they did me proud tonight."