SHEFFIELD, England (CMC):
THE MANAGEMENT of Jamaica's world-rated light heavyweight boxer Glen Johnson is pushing for an immediate crack at the International Boxing Federation (IBF) title after the British champion Clinton Woods announced plans for a voluntary defence against a different opponent next month.
The proposed May 13 outing Woods has against Australian Jason DeLisle is now in jeopardy because Johnson's team is insisting that their man should be the next challenger.
The Woods-DeLisle fight was finalised last week for the Brit's home-town venue, Ponds Forge Arena in Sheffield.
But Johnson's handlers have petitioned the IBF not to sanction the contest.
After Johnson had beaten fellow Jamaican Richard Hall in February, it was agreed that Johnson and Woods would clash for a third time before the summer for the IBF 175-pound belt that Woods now holds.
Johnson drew with Woods in November 2003 and then out-pointed the British boxer in a rematch three months later for the IBF belt.
Woods, 33, last fought in September, easily out-pointing dangerous former champion Julio Gonzalez.
The 37-year-old Johnson has a ring record to 44 wins (29 knockouts) against 10 losses and two draws, while Woods has 38 wins (23 knockouts) against three losses and one draw.
