By Lucian Parfitt

On Friday night Clinton Woods will get what surely has to be his last chance at a genuine world title. His opponent, Rico Hoye appears to be a dangerous but beatable foe for Woods, who has experience and home advantage on his side. Although Hoye has fought and beaten the likes of Richard Hall and Montell Griffin in compiling his 18-0 record, these notables were well past there best when Hoye fought them and the Griffin victory was controversial at that. Clinton Woods however, is coming of what look to be ever more credible performances against current consensus light-heavyweight champion Glen Johnson.

The use of the word ‘consensus’ as opposed to the usual alphabet soup title is due to the fact both Antonio Tarver and Glen Johnson vacated their WBC and IBF title respectively, to fight each other. This unquestionably admirable decision is what gives Woods yet another chance for world title glory. It slightly (well totally really) downgrades the grandeur of a world title fight when it occurs simply because he was willing to fight the mandatory Johnson was not. But if victorious, he will be the world champion of a respected governing body (IBF) and that undoubtedly brings numerous opportunities and attention.

Wood’s has spoken of rematches with Roy Jones, Glen Johnson, and even Bernard Hopkins. But a series of high profile domestic match ups are more realistic. Joe Calzaghe has already expressed interest in fighting Woods and that would be a big attraction here in the UK. So Woods has a lot to win but is Rico Hoye a serious threat? He looked very impressive in knocking out faded ex-title challenger Richard Hall and trial horse Donnell Wiggins. However in his last fight against crafty veteran Montell Griffin he was made to look fairly pedestrian and at times was soundly out boxed.

Woods has eluded to this apparent inconsistency, “He looked great against Richard Hall, but in his last fight against Montell Griffin I thought he was very lucky to get a decision”. But Wood’s seems confident whatever version of Hoye turns up “I've prepared for the best Rico Hoye can be - but even that, it won't be enough”. However, do not read much into the ‘inconsistent’ tag Hoye has garnered, his mixed results have been due more to different style match ups. Wiggins was tailor made for Hoye, a short brawler, and Hall couldn’t use his usual height advantage against rangy Hoye. But against Montell Griffin’s movement and smart defensive boxing he looked short of ideas. It seems certain this will dictate Wood’s fight plan for Friday.

Expect Woods to employ essentially the same plan as he did for Johnson, boxing and moving. But Hoye is has a different style to Johnson and will not let his hands go, he’s much more measured. What will worry Woods and his trainers is that Hoye has shown himself to be a dangerous puncher early, as several victims will attest. This worry is confounded by the fact Woods was knocked down early by the distinctly average Jason DiLislie in his last fight. Despite going on to win comfortably, he will have to be sharper early against Hoye. Woods cannot afford to be the aggressor against the harder punching Hoye; It would appear Woods’ best plan is to make it a boring fight.

Friday nights fight has been dubbed ‘Destiny’, which due to Wood’s repeated chances at a world title, seems somewhat soberly appropriate. I think destiny (and the IBF) has dealt out the perfect opponent for Woods to finally achieve his dream. Hoye has the power to deal out a few perilous moments early but Wood’s chin is certainly sturdy enough to get past the dangerous early rounds. Once Woods get used to Hoye’s awkward, rangy style, he should be able to outmaneuver the slower man. If Woods fights a defensively sound fight, I expect it to become an increasingly easy fight as Hoye’s power becomes less potent. Woods should box to a fairly comfortable decision….and fulfill a dream.