Clinton Woods will defend his IBF light-heavyweight world title against former undisputed champion Antonio Tarver in Florida.
Tampa date for Brit world champion
Clinton Woods will defend his IBF light-heavyweight world title against former undisputed champion Antonio Tarver in Florida on April 12.
The 35-year-old Sheffield fighter will face Tarver in the American's home town of Tampa.
Tarver became king of the 175lb division with a knockout victory over the great Roy Jones in 2004.
However, he suffered a points defeat to the legendary Bernard Hopkins in 2006 and has since had two fairly routine victories.
Woods, who will defend the title he won against Rico Hoye in 2005 for the fifth time, said: "It is a fight I have been longing for. He told me he would beat me years ago - well now he has got the chance.
"He can't run any longer because the deal has been made. It is 'smell the coffee' time and he is going to find out the hard way what a thorough beating is all about.
"He lost to old man Bernard Hopkins on points but I am going to knock him out and then my status as the best light-heavyweight in the world will be confirmed.
"If Joe Calzaghe gets past 'grandad' Hopkins the week after I make mincemeat of Tarver, he can come looking for me.
"I'm ready for Calzaghe any time and any place and he knows it."
Unification
Promoter Dennis Hobson hopes Woods will come through against Tarver, 39, to set up a unification contest with American WBC champion Chad Dawson - who takes on Glen Johnson on the same bill at the St Pete Times forum.
"This time the US audience is getting to see what the real Clinton is capable of," said Hobson.
"Gary and I have a good relationship and when Clinton disposes of Tarver I'll look forward to sitting with him and discussing the Dawson unification match."
Woods added: "I am prepared to go to America to prove myself.
"My fans will have a great time in Florida soaking up the sun and then they can watch me swarm all over Tarver.
"I don't think I am the best light-heavy in the world. I know it."
