Woods won't fall for confidence trick this time

Clinton Woods knows from bitter experience that it is no good going into a world championship fight feeling over-confident.

When Woods challenged Glencoffe Johnson for the International Boxing Federation's vacant light-heavyweight title last November he trained in Philadelphia, where his gym-mates convinced him the belt was as good as his without having to throw a punch. He was lucky to escape with a draw against the Jamaican.

There has been no back-slapping in the run-up to tonight's rematch at Sheffield's Ponds Forge Leisure Centre, where Woods will return to his corner between rounds to be met by the dour expression of former trainer Neil Port.

"Neil's made all the difference," said Woods, the 31-year-old former British and European champion.

"When I was training in America for the first fight they were telling me in every sparring session that I was going to knock out Johnson in the first two rounds.

"I was told non-stop, 'You're the champion.' I only had to go into the gym and lace on one boot and they were telling me the title was mine. That's just the way they are over there. But then you start believing it and you feel like the hard work is done. That's the one main reason why I stayed in Britain this time.

"I need to be shouted at, and that's what Neil does best. I've been getting shouted at and

growled at and that's made me hungry again."

This will be his third attempt at a world title. Woods was brave but outclassed by Roy Jones Jnr in Portland 16 months ago. He said: "Everyone keeps telling me that if I lose this fight I'll have nowhere to go. So I've just got to win."