By Mark Vester
IBF/WBO super middleweight champion Joe Calzaghe was hoping that Glen Johnson would beat Clinton Woods to set up a proposed superfight in February 2007, but saw his fight plans go up in smoke as Clinton Woods retained his IBF light-heavyweight title by split-decision over Glen Johnson at the Bolton Arena. The fighters met for the third time, the first bout ending in a draw, the second saw Johnson win a unanimous decision. Some observers in the arena felt Johnson should have been given the decision.
The bout was very close, and the key to victory was Woods pulling out the final two rounds as an exhausted Johnson was unable to put his punches together or get pas Woods' jab. The scores were 115-113 Johnson, 115-112 and 116-112 for Woods.
"It meant everything to me. Since winning the world title that was the only thing I wanted, to beat Johnson and I did that. He is unbelievably tough," Woods said. "He gave me some tough shots in that round. He has been a great champion. I very nearly hung my gloves up (after that second meeting) but beating Johnson is probably the biggest thing in my career."