Clinton Woods ready for a war on Friday

As young, hungry and powerful Tavoris Cloud is ready to win his first title on Friday, his opponent Clinton Woods is ready for "a war." The two meet for the vacant IBF light heavyweight title at the Seminole Hard Rock in Florida on the season finale of Friday Night Fights.

[Woods] knows that at 37 his speed is not what it used to be - but expects his battle-hardened experience and supreme toughness will see him through.

The Sheffield light heavyweight will be world champion on Friday night if he disposes of the 10-years-younger, unbeaten American Tavoris Cloud.

The pair contest the IBF title in Hollywood, Florida.

Asked whether age has slowed him down, Woods told The Star: "When it comes to running I am doing faster, longer runs, my sprint is faster.

"When it comes to the boxing gym, yes, it is a little bit slower. When I am in the ring, I don't dance around the ring like I used to. Age does tire you out a little bit.

"So now my style is to stand and trade more. And I am comfortable doing that" says the Ridgeway rough-house.

We've discussed it a bit, but those counting the English veteran out of this fight may be getting ahead of themselves. He is by far the best and savviest opponent Cloud has faced, and the Florida-based KO artist will likely have to deal with a degree of ring rust, having sat out for about a year waiting for a title shot that never came from Chad Dawson. Dawson chose to vacate the IBF title in order to take a bigger money rematch with Glen Johnson on November 7.

Right now, I even think I'm leaning a bit toward Woods. I don't like Cloud's inactivity at all, and also have the feeling that as hungry as he is, he's going to get some looks from Woods he's just never seen before, and struggle when pressed by the former titleholder.