34-year-old IBF light heavyweight champion of the world Clinton Woods will not fight again this year as he needs remedial surgery on his arm to repair a torn tendon. He got his injury during his superb victory over Glen Johnson earlier this month, but it has only recently come into view.
Woods told reporters “They need to cut out a piece of muscle in my left forearm, just below the elbow, which has been giving me a lot of pain over the last year,” He continued by saying “I just want it done now so I don’t have to worry about it.” The muscle needs to be removed from his arm in order for the tendon to heal itself. Woods became conscious of the setback as he prepared for his first IBF title defence against Julio Gonzalez back in 2005.
Although the injury was affecting him during his title defence against Johnson, Woods still went on to win the bout after a split decision from the judges. Here, Woods tells us briefly what happened “During the middle rounds it was giving me some real pain but then Johnson must have landed some of those big shots because I just had to stop thinking about the arm and worrying about winning the fight.”
“After the fight my arm just ballooned up to three times its normal size and went all purple. It was a little worrying, but it looked strange at the same time.” He added. Nevertheless Woods is still confident the operation will not affect his career and intends to get revenge over the diminishing marvel Roy Jones who beat him in American back in 2002.
“Now I just want to have this operation, heal up, and come back next year better than ever. Now I’ve got revenge on Johnson, Roy Jones is my new number one target.” Woods continued by saying “I wasn’t ready for him when I fought him four years ago but I’ve matured late and I think I can stay at this level for at least two years. In that time I think I can get the fights I want and leave a good legacy. Not too many fighters have come back from disappointments like I have and then make three defences of a world title.”
These are sad times for Woods, especially after that glorious performance to beat Johnson just a few moths ago. I wish him the best of luck and look forward to seeing him back in action a.s.a.p. Please leave your thoughts of comments about this matter at the bottom of the page.
