FIGHTING footballer Curtis Woodhouse will return to pre-season training with Rushden & Diamonds next week unscathed from his latest outing into the boxing ring after taking just 57 seconds to knock out Wayne Downing.
Rotherham trained Woodhouse, the ex-Sheffield United player, extended his unbeaten record to seven fights at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham after unleashing a series of sharp left hands culminating in a ripping body shot which dumped Downing to the canvas.
The West Bromwich man was counted out on all fours to give Woodhouse his most conclusive victory to date and underline the improvements he has been making in recent months.
Afterwards Woodhouse revealed next season will be his last in professional football before he devotes himself to fighting for a living full-time - and says he expects his performances to improve accordingly. Woodhouse said: "I've only been in boxing for two minutes and I'm under no illusions that I've still got a lot to learn. But it is no coincidence that my best performance has come in the football close season.
"Rushden have been brilliant to me in allowing me to pursue both sports but I am only staying in football for one more season so I can support my family. Within 12 months I will be boxing full-time and you will see a startling difference."
Former Sheffield United star Woodhouse did not give local boy Downing a chance to make an impression as he stalked him across the ring, unloading at will before applying his decisive finish.
Woodhouse added: "I'm at the most successful gym in the country at the moment with Ryan Rhodes and Kell Brook both winning British titles recently. I looked to them for inspiration and it really paid off."
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