Clinton Woods will realise an ambition when he takes on American opponent Antonio Tarver in Florida in April.

Tarver, the former undisputed world light-heavyweight king, and Sheffield's IBF champion Woods squared up in a London casino on Tuesday ahead of their meeting in Tampa on April 12.

"I've always wanted him since I become world champion, I've always hated him and I can't stand the guy even more now," said Woods.

"You are in a tough fight, you'll have bad dreams about this fight," he added....

Tarver, winner of two low-key warm-up fights since taking a year out of the ring to appear in Sylvestor Stallone's latest Rocky film, pledged to re-establish himself as the world's top 175lb fighter.

To do that he will have to overcome Woods and then beat the winner of the clash between Chad Dawson, the WBC holder, and former champion Glen Johnson on the same bill.

Tarver said: "Right now boxing is my 100% total focus. I feel and believe I'm the best light-heavyweight in the world.

"These other guys only have those belts because I vacated. That is the only reason.

"They should be thankful I gave them the opportunity to have a piece of the stage. All that must come to an end on April 12.

Tarver, upset at perceived insults from Woods, added: "Thank God for the internet.

"I've been keeping abreast on what this guy has had to say and when he comes to my town I'll teach him respect."

He asked the 35-year-old Sheffield fighter: "How the hell in your right mind do you think you are going to knock me out - something that has never been done before?

"You're the only one on this stage who knows what it's like to be knocked out and I'm going to give you reminiscences of what it's about."

A puzzled Woods retorted: "Who's knocked me out? I've never been knocked out."

When Tarver replied that Roy Jones had knocked him out, Woods replied that his corner had pulled him out of the fight after six rounds.

The pair had to be separated by Woods' promoter Dennis Hobson before Tarver said: "Everything I've ever said I've backed it up. You're gonna be knocked out on April 12.

"You've gotta learn how to respect me. You've never seen anybody like me in your whole career.

"You're a hand-picked opponent. You've never faced anybody like me. Look how pretty I am - no scar tissue, no marks, nothing.

"You're not fit to carry my bag. You're history on April 12."

Tarver's camp also claimed they had been disrespected because they were collected from Heathrow airport in a London taxi.

"It was like they didn't think we were coming. When you come to Florida we'll pick you up in a limousine and show you proper respect," said his promoter Gary Shaw.

Woods stated that he would never have taken time out from his boxing career for a film and Shaw admitted that Tarver's focus had become distracted by the venture.

He explained: "Antonio got out of the world of being a fighter and into the world of being a Hollywood star.

"I thought it was a bad decision to go straight back from Hollywood into the boxing ring but he's done two warm-up fights and he's back and ready now," he insisted.

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