This Saturday February 14th, Valentines Day, Star Boxing’s world rated light heavyweight contender Elvir “Kosovo Kid” Muriqi (35-4, 22KO), will travel across the Atlantic to take on former IBF light heavyweight champion Clinton Woods (41-4-1, 24KO). The bout will be held in Woods native United Kingdom at the exclusive and legendary Hotel De France, Jersey, Channel Islands and will be an official IBF eliminator for the #2 ranking in the Light Heavyweight division. Both Muriqi and Woods weighed in yesterday with Muriqi tipping the scales at a fit and ready 173, while Woods weighed in at 175lbs..
Muriqi and Woods are two of boxing’s top light heavyweights, both already having fought at the championship level in their respective careers. Woods is a former IBF light heavyweight champ, and fought for the WBA, WBC and IBO straps during his career. Muriqi fought Antonio Tarver in an all-out war for the vacant IBO belt, coming up short (MD12), in a fight that many ringside observes and boxing critics felt Muriqi won. Coincidently, Tarver is the man who took Woods’ IBF belt, winning a much easier unanimous decision in Woods last fight back in April of last year.
Now the two will meet in what is most likely one of the most important fights of their careers with the winner capturing the #2 ranking in the IBF.
“This is the biggest fight of my career,” stated Muriqi. “Winning this fight will put me right back up at the top of the light heavyweight division, and put me right back into contention for a world title shot.”
For his fight with Woods, Muriqi enlisted the services of famed future hall of fame trainer Buddy McGirt.
“Working with Buddy couldn’t have gone any better. I really feel with Buddy in my corner no one will be able to beat me. I am more focused for this fight then I ever have been in my entire career. I put in the hard work in training and I am really just can’t wait to get inside the ring with Woods and show the world that Elvir Muriqi is a serious threat to any of the world champions in the light heavyweight division.”
Regarding fighting in Wood’s backyard Muriqi didn’t seem to be too worried. “I know the place is going to be packed with his fans cheering him on, but once we get in the ring it’s just me and him in there. All those fans won’t mean anything once the bell rings.”
“I know that he (Woods) is a very good, talented boxer, but so am I. I think with my style I am simply going to continuously outwork him, and break him down throughout the fight. Knockout or decision it doesn’t matter to me, a win is a win. I plan on putting on a spectacular showing. Woods better come ready, because I am willing to go to war.”
The card will be promoted by Dennis Hobson Promotions in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.