05.05.04 – By Elliot Worsell: Sheffield’s leading light heavyweight contender Clinton Woods 35-3 (21 KO’s) aims for world title glory once more on May 28, as he tackles Jamaican born puncher Richard Hall 27-4 (25 KO’s) in an official eliminator for the coveted IBF portion of the 175 lb title – it was confirmed this afternoon by leading promoters ‘Fight Academy’.
Woods, now 32, will be looking to carve his way to his 4th genuine world title stab against Hall, in a battle that promises to be every bit as intriguing as the two previous encounters with Richard’s hard headed fellow Jamaican and newly crowned IBF titleholder, Glencoffe Johnson. Woods was gallantly defeated in the second tussle with Johnson, but seemingly did enough in the eyes of the International Boxing Federation to warrant a route back to world title contention.
For the heavy-handed Hall, this IBF eliminator offers him the chance to banish the disappointment of previous world title tilts against the formidable Roy Jones Jr. and the home loving Dariusz Michaelcewski. Hall, dangerous with both fists, and at 6’4, one of the bigger light heavyweights around, was last seen outboxing game US fringe contender Rodney Moore over ten rounds, last November. At 32 years of age, Hall isn’t being kept extremely active, but by virtue of his two title winning efforts and his stunning two round war with sledge hammer fisted Julian Letterlough last July, Woods must respect the Florida based puncher’s credentials.
Promoters Dennis Hobson and Robert Waterman worked tirelessly through negotiations during the two Glencoffe Johnson contests, and it appears that a similar level of graft has gone in here to achieve this pathway for Woods. Many people contemplated where the amiable Sheffield native could go after being so comprehensively defeated by Johnson second time round, but yet he and his trusted team have found a way. Should the 32 year old find a way past Hall in Sheffield on May 28, a possible date with the winner of the forthcoming Glencoffe Johnson-Joe Calzaghe IBF title clash could be in the offing. Fight Academy chief Robert Waterman insisted this 50:50 battle would be given the go ahead regardless of any TV interest.