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Woods v Gonzalez - 29th September
Posted: 08 Aug 2007, 23:52
by Albert
Woods defends his IBF title against Julio Gonzalez at Sheffield's Hallam FM Arena on 29 September.
From boxingtalk.com
GONZALEZ PLANS ON SNATCHING IBF TITLE FROM WOODS
PRESS RELEASE: As if a disappointing performance in a loss to Clinton Woods two years ago in an IBF Light Heavyweight title fight wasn’t enough to motivate Julio Gonzalez to prepare himself for a rematch of the IBF Championship Bout, a pullout by the Englishman just prior to their scheduled June 23rd confrontation made him hotter than a jalapeno!!
It appears that the 31-year-old Gonzalez (41-3, 25 KOs) will get to let off some of that steam and once again try to wrest the IBF Light Heavyweight title from Woods (40-3-1, 24 KOs) when the two meet for the second time in the same location as their first encounter – the Hallam FM Arena in Sheffield, England – on Saturday, September 29, 2007.
“It didn't take the postponement of the June 23 fight to rile me up,” insisted Gonzalez, who was on the short end of a unanimous decision in their first go-round.
“I was already there mentally based on my sub-par performance the last time I faced Woods. I was ready to show him on the June 23 event that our first fight was not me at my best, and that he would be seeing the better Julio Gonzalez.
“It was a tremendous blow when he pulled out so close to the fight that it didn't matter to me whether it was right or wrong, just that he did it. It has given me even more motivation to go out and win this fight by now having to do it in front of his home town fans.”
Gonzalez, who was born in Guerrero Negro, BC, Mexico, and currently resides in Huntington Beach, California, has rebounded nicely from his loss to Woods by winning his three fights since: a 12-round unanimous decision win over Jason DeLisle to earn the #2 contender spot in the IBF Light Heavyweight division, followed by stoppages of Rodney Moore (KO3) and Vitali Kopitko (TKO3).
Woods, age 35, stopped American Rico Hoye (TKO5) to win the vacant IBF Light Heavyweight title in March 2005. He outpointed Gonzalez in his first title defense and has since stopped DeLisle (TKO6) and split-decisioned former champion Glen Johnson over 12 hard-fought rounds. The rematch with Gonzalez will be the fourth title defense for Woods.
Gonzalez’ promoter, Dan Goossen, President of Goossen Tutor Promotions, shuns all talk of trepidation of having his charge return to England to take on the champion in his own backyard, due mainly to the recent successes of two of his stable’s most notable boxers.
“I've always felt that going into someone's hometown was only meaningful if that hometown fighter was better than our fighter,” Goossen explained.
“Robert Guerrero went to Denmark where victories for visitors are as remote as winning the lottery, and came back to the U.S. with the IBF Featherweight title belt securely around his waist. Tony Thompson experienced similar results in Germany last month when he knocked out hometown favorite Luan Krasniqi to emerge as the mandatory contender for the WBO Heavyweight title. We wouldn't go to England or anywhere else if we didn't think Julio would be able to come back with the belt.”
Re: Woods v Gonzalez - 29th September
Posted: 09 Aug 2007, 02:41
by Axe
Albert wrote:Woods defends his IBF title against Julio Gonzalez at Sheffield's Hallam FM Arena on 29 September.
From boxingtalk.com
GONZALEZ PLANS ON SNATCHING IBF TITLE FROM WOODS
PRESS RELEASE: As if a disappointing performance in a loss to Clinton Woods two years ago in an IBF Light Heavyweight title fight wasn’t enough to motivate Julio Gonzalez to prepare himself for a rematch of the IBF Championship Bout, a pullout by the Englishman just prior to their scheduled June 23rd confrontation made him hotter than a jalapeno!!
It appears that the 31-year-old Gonzalez (41-3, 25 KOs) will get to let off some of that steam and once again try to wrest the IBF Light Heavyweight title from Woods (40-3-1, 24 KOs) when the two meet for the second time in the same location as their first encounter – the Hallam FM Arena in Sheffield, England – on Saturday, September 29, 2007.
“It didn't take the postponement of the June 23 fight to rile me up,” insisted Gonzalez, who was on the short end of a unanimous decision in their first go-round.
“I was already there mentally based on my sub-par performance the last time I faced Woods. I was ready to show him on the June 23 event that our first fight was not me at my best, and that he would be seeing the better Julio Gonzalez.
“It was a tremendous blow when he pulled out so close to the fight that it didn't matter to me whether it was right or wrong, just that he did it. It has given me even more motivation to go out and win this fight by now having to do it in front of his home town fans.”
Gonzalez, who was born in Guerrero Negro, BC, Mexico, and currently resides in Huntington Beach, California, has rebounded nicely from his loss to Woods by winning his three fights since: a 12-round unanimous decision win over Jason DeLisle to earn the #2 contender spot in the IBF Light Heavyweight division, followed by stoppages of Rodney Moore (KO3) and Vitali Kopitko (TKO3).
Woods, age 35, stopped American Rico Hoye (TKO5) to win the vacant IBF Light Heavyweight title in March 2005. He outpointed Gonzalez in his first title defense and has since stopped DeLisle (TKO6) and split-decisioned former champion Glen Johnson over 12 hard-fought rounds. The rematch with Gonzalez will be the fourth title defense for Woods.
Gonzalez’ promoter, Dan Goossen, President of Goossen Tutor Promotions, shuns all talk of trepidation of having his charge return to England to take on the champion in his own backyard, due mainly to the recent successes of two of his stable’s most notable boxers.
“I've always felt that going into someone's hometown was only meaningful if that hometown fighter was better than our fighter,” Goossen explained.
“Robert Guerrero went to Denmark where victories for visitors are as remote as winning the lottery, and came back to the U.S. with the IBF Featherweight title belt securely around his waist. Tony Thompson experienced similar results in Germany last month when he knocked out hometown favorite Luan Krasniqi to emerge as the mandatory contender for the WBO Heavyweight title. We wouldn't go to England or anywhere else if we didn't think Julio would be able to come back with the belt.”
Disappointing move from Woods. He should beat Julio again, providing injuries haven't taken their toll on his arm.
Posted: 09 Aug 2007, 04:03
by Autobarn
Why disappointing of Woods? The IBF impose shitty mandatories and keep on throwing the same opponents at him. Clinton had a bad elbow and couldn't be on the Hatton-Castillo card but now he faces the same guy at home, where he likes fighting.
Woods, in retrospect, should have just accepted a Calzaghe fight and Warren's terms. But then again why would he, after he was disrespected by him last time, not even given a proper dressing room.
All this bollox (from both sides, CW's promoter wanted to do a PPV on SKy) robbed Britain of an absorbing fight between British world champions. The British public responded very well to Woods-Johnson 3.
Posted: 09 Aug 2007, 04:30
by Wales
"Why dissapointing of woods"
because he's right back where he was 18 months ago, fighting a guy he's alread beat (easily). All the talk of Jones Jr, tarver, Calzaghe (refusing warrens terms), Kessler etc... and what happens, back to sq 1.
Posted: 09 Aug 2007, 04:35
by Max Molyneux
Woods not being a big name needs his IBF belt though so he'd probably fight a mandatry rather than give the belt up.
Posted: 09 Aug 2007, 04:56
by boxingchat
The Woods merry-go-round is boring. Shame because he should have took the £500k to fight JC but his Promoters ego got in the way and cost him the payday and added profile. Perhaps now Hobson has been kicked into touch by the Hatton clan he may concentrate on Woods career a bit more and repay some of his loyalty.
Posted: 09 Aug 2007, 05:45
by Old bones Ian
is it going to be Wood v Johnson IV after this fight?
Posted: 09 Aug 2007, 07:43
by Albert
boxingchat wrote:The Woods merry-go-round is boring. Shame because he should have took the £500k to fight JC but his Promoters ego got in the way and cost him the payday and added profile. Perhaps now Hobson has been kicked into touch by the Hatton clan he may concentrate on Woods career a bit more and repay some of his loyalty.
I think you will find Hobson is Hatton's UK promoter still, maybe you are right we all know how boxing's merry go round works. With regards to Woods and Calzaghe I was told meetings did take place and yet again unreasonable add ons were the problem not the actual purse on offer.
With regards to Woods defences, injuries have not helped. Then there is the IBF, I think they are idiots of the highest order. Someone has stated about Johnson being in the mix again. Do not be surprised at all if that happens but I also heard Chad Dawson is somewhere in the reckoning as well.
Posted: 09 Aug 2007, 07:52
by Autobarn
boxingchat wrote:The Woods merry-go-round is boring. Shame because he should have took the £500k to fight JC but his Promoters ego got in the way and cost him the payday and added profile. Perhaps now Hobson has been kicked into touch by the Hatton clan he may concentrate on Woods career a bit more and repay some of his loyalty.
Calzaghe's been through the same merry go round. Bringing in fringe contenders like Bika after his biggest ever win. Fighting fringe contenders for 2 years after his previous biggest win. Fighting Mario Veit twice. Was anyone -Joe, Warren etc - even ASHAMED of fighting Ashira?
Let's hope they do fight, with both being Setanta boys for the time being. I'd like to see it. I think it'd be a great fight, tougher than Calzaghe-Woodhall which was a damn good all British super middle fight.
Posted: 09 Aug 2007, 07:56
by Albert
Exactly Autobarn, it is a complete and utter disgrace how fans have been hoodwinked over the years that Calzaghe has been facing viable challengers for his title. Now he is facing his first proper opponent who will be a viable threat everyone seems to be wetting themselves. I say about time.
Woods has been a total professional, does what the governing body tells him. Where the work comes for Fight Academy is after this Gonzalez MANDATORY defence. Woods will be able to face other opponents and that is where Fight Academy are going to have to bring in a big fight and there are plenty out there.
I really would like to see him in with Chad Dawson.
Posted: 09 Aug 2007, 20:50
by BigEars
Old bones Ian wrote:is it going to be Wood v Johnson IV after this fight?
Johnson having beaten Montell Griffin is the next mandatory , whether Woods would be able to get in a voluntary between the two fights(should he win) remains to be seen .
I don't think either Gonzalez or Johnson would look for the IBF title again if they both lose to Woods , at least until Woods loses the title anyway so hopefully soon enough Woods can be over the merry-go-round .
I actually think Johnson will pack it in if Woods beats him again , especially if it's clear .
I'd love for Woods to get a rematch with Jones , I think Woods would gain revenge and knock Jones out .
Posted: 10 Aug 2007, 01:51
by dondada
boxingchat wrote:The Woods merry-go-round is boring. Shame because he should have took the £500k to fight JC but his Promoters ego got in the way and cost him the payday and added profile. Perhaps now Hobson has been kicked into touch by the Hatton clan he may concentrate on Woods career a bit more and repay some of his loyalty.
Let's hope Clinton gets the fights he wants. The real fight he wants, according to the man himself, is against Joe Calzaghe.
For some unknown reason, Woods feels he was deliberately treated like shite on a Sports Network promotion against Glen Johnson, and given a broom cupboard as a changing room with other little niggles to boot.
I can't believe he would make such a scurrilous accusation, personally.
Posted: 10 Aug 2007, 04:12
by Wales
I'd get changed in the car park outside for 500k and the chance to fight Sports Networks golden boy. I honestly believe fight academy were a tad greedy in thinking people would be falling over themselves for hge money spinning fights with Clinton, alas not to be.
Posted: 10 Aug 2007, 05:10
by Albert
Wales wrote:I'd get changed in the car park outside for 500k and the chance to fight Sports Networks golden boy. I honestly believe fight academy were a tad greedy in thinking people would be falling over themselves for hge money spinning fights with Clinton, alas not to be.
It would be great if we really knew what was going on. Woods injury scuppered a few ideas. If he had fought on the last Hatton show and beaten Gonzalez as expected we would now be looking at a decent fight.
People are forgetting this injury of Woods has put him out of action for a year and that is 2 fights at least, so even if we were served up with Gonzalez and Johnson again we would now be looking at a decent fight for him.
I will say a name again that will come into the mix, Chad Dawson.
Posted: 10 Aug 2007, 05:37
by Autobarn
Some good news. Roy Jones called out Erdei for a fight in America, which just isn't happening. #2 on his list is Glen Johnson. So when Woods has outclassed Gnzalez again, he should have a window for a fight.
Glencafe, by the way, should be embarrassed after fighting that last opponent in Florida.
Posted: 10 Aug 2007, 06:47
by dondada
Wales wrote:I'd get changed in the car park outside for 500k and the chance to fight Sports Networks golden boy.
Well, we're all different. Fair point though.
Posted: 10 Aug 2007, 10:17
by boxingchat
They wanted to know who was gonna finance the rebuilding of Woods if he got beat. there's confidence for you!
The purse was there they brought up every reason they could think of not to pick it up.
It was kept to a very simple deal so that Hobson and his sidekick could
at least understand it.
Posted: 11 Aug 2007, 14:47
by Axe
Autobarn wrote:Why disappointing of Woods? The IBF impose shitty mandatories and keep on throwing the same opponents at him. Clinton had a bad elbow and couldn't be on the Hatton-Castillo card but now he faces the same guy at home, where he likes fighting.
Woods, in retrospect, should have just accepted a Calzaghe fight and Warren's terms. But then again why would he, after he was disrespected by him last time, not even given a proper dressing room.
All this bollox (from both sides, CW's promoter wanted to do a PPV on SKy) robbed Britain of an absorbing fight between British world champions. The British public responded very well to Woods-Johnson 3.
I agree that it is a far more impressive fight than 90% of Calzaghe's champioship reign...but that still leaves a lot to be desired. Clinton is 35, he needs to make his move. It is a good stay busy fight (perhaps even more than that) but as has been mentioned I'd like to see him in with the cream of the crop.
Posted: 11 Aug 2007, 14:53
by glahn
Woods' best hope for a big fight is a voluntary against Jones or a unification with the winner of Diaconu-Dawson. I doubt he'll get anywhere near Calzaghe now.
Posted: 11 Aug 2007, 16:10
by black panther
I just wanna see Woods in with someone other than Gonzalez, Johnson or Delisle! Though to be fair to Woods its not his fault the IBF keep giving the same fighters the opportunity to be mandatory(the same thing seems to be happening with the IBF superfeather title - another merry-go-round). I suppose its also a reflection on how poor the division is at the moment - more champions than challengers. I'm sure I heard Danny Green is gunning for Woods - that would be an excellent fight after Woods deals with Gonzalez - though I have a feeling a fourth fight with Johnson is on the horizon....
Posted: 12 Aug 2007, 03:53
by Autobarn
Johnson is trying to get Roy Jones. Fingers crossed he does.
Domestically, I want Woods v Calzaghe or Dean Francis. Maybe even Froch. He deserves a good British fight that will appeal to the Sky/Setanta crowd. Something that makes for a half decent story.
I can't understand why Gonzalez keeps getting title shots. Why can't he go away and crawl under a rock. He's coming over for another beatdown. What is wrong with the man?
Posted: 13 Aug 2007, 04:02
by KO Artist
boxingchat wrote:The Woods merry-go-round is boring. Shame because he should have took the £500k to fight JC but his Promoters ego got in the way and cost him the payday and added profile. Perhaps now Hobson has been kicked into touch by the Hatton clan he may concentrate on Woods career a bit more and repay some of his loyalty.
Boring is an understatement. The first fight was crap.
Come on Hobson, or can you only produce meaningful fights for marquee names others have built up?
Posted: 13 Aug 2007, 04:14
by Autobarn
KO Artist wrote:boxingchat wrote:The Woods merry-go-round is boring. Shame because he should have took the £500k to fight JC but his Promoters ego got in the way and cost him the payday and added profile. Perhaps now Hobson has been kicked into touch by the Hatton clan he may concentrate on Woods career a bit more and repay some of his loyalty.
Boring is an understatement. The first fight was crap.
Come on Hobson, or can you only produce meaningful fights for marquee names others have built up?
what's Warren's excuse then? Why the Pudwills, McIntyres, Veits for Cazlaghe. If Joe's supposed to be some kind of p4per, there's no excuse. At least Woods is fighting who the sanctioning body tells him, which is out of his control.
WBO let Joe do what he wanted and still there have been numerous misfires that were worst than boring. I think the solution should have been for both promoters to have got their heads together and made the fight. I don't know what really happened. Woods and Calzaghe have a history where Woods was pissed that Joe opted against a fight when it wasn't going to be recognised by the IBF (before CW was champ) and it looks like they've never seen eye to eye since then.
Woods and Hobson are hardly going to want to work with them after the Woods-Johnson 3 fight, when they were treated like the away side (vs a Jamaican living in Florida) and not even given a proper dressing room.
Posted: 13 Aug 2007, 04:37
by boxingchat
They were the away side, Warren had Johnson. They were lucky they got the fight in England and not Miami, which would have cost them much more in expenses.
As for a proper dressing room? Which member of this professional team visited the venue to check the facilities?
I can't help but wonder why they are going to tne Hallam FM Arena when the last encounter, hardly a classic, didn't even fill the smallest venue in Sheffield. They couldn't even sell the Hallam Arena with Ricky Hatton.
Posted: 13 Aug 2007, 05:25
by Autobarn
boxingchat wrote:They were the away side, Warren had Johnson. They were lucky they got the fight in England and not Miami, which would have cost them much more in expenses.
As for a proper dressing room? Which member of this professional team visited the venue to check the facilities?
I can't help but wonder why they are going to tne Hallam FM Arena when the last encounter, hardly a classic, didn't even fill the smallest venue in Sheffield. They couldn't even sell the Hallam Arena with Ricky Hatton.
I doubt Woods wants the fight either. The only ppl who want the fight are the IBF, who have some imbecile in charge of their rankings, and Gonzalez himself.
Would Warriors have won the purse bid on their own for Woods-Johnson 3? They're always sending guys abroad to get their arses kicked (in Johnson's case, he got his whipping over the last few rds).
You say Warren had Johnson, but didn't Warren team up with Warriors to win the purse bid. That's why I hate all this "Johnson wuz robbed" talk. Woods actually beat him on a hostile promotion.