CLINTON Woods' determination to regain the world title he lost in April could be tested against a fighter nicknamed the Kosovo Kid.
Sheffield's former IBF light-heavyweight champ is quietly preparing at his new Sheffield Boxing Centre gym base for a return to the ring.
His plan is to beat Elvir Muriqi - or whoever is officially confirmed by the commissioning body - in September.
Then that should put him in the driving seat for an eliminator, which would be the final fight before another crack at the world title he coveted so much.
"I really want that title back," Woods said today. "I hear the name Muriqi being mentioned, but whoever it is I will be ready."
Muriqi was born in Kosovo but moved to the United States.
Ironically, Muriqi is a fairly recent victim on IBF champ Antonio Tarver, who stripped Woods of his belt earlier this year.
Like Woods, he took Tarver the full distance, though. In truth, he put up a better show that the South Yorkshireman against the slick southpaw.
And that is a good a reason as ever for Woods to beat him and pick up a confidence boost.
Muriqi has already publicly stated he would liked to be "tested" by Woods or any of the other top light-heavies.
The 29-year-old, who lives in the Bronx, has won 35 of his 39 pro fights, recording 22 KOs.
After losing to Tarver in June 2007, he went off the boxing radar.
But a win over American Jameel Wilson in January this year has strengthened his resolve to land his first major title.
What do you think? Post your comments below. READ MORE Football headlinesMore BladesMore OwlsMore SpireitesMore RoversMore RedsMore MillersMore Ice HockeyMore rugby leagueMore rugby unionMore boxingSports columnistsAll sport categoriesThe full article contains 313 words and appears in Sheffield Star newspaper.
