BBC Radio Sheffield revealed Clinton is likely to make a defence of his title against Mexican Julio Gonzalez on 23 June, 2007, alongside fellow Briton Ricky Hatton. Promoter Dennis Hobson has revealed some difficulties in dealing with the US promoters but nothing out of the ordinary: "They've started to move the goalposts as certain promoters do in this world, and making unreasonable demands, but I'm happy how things are moving. Some of the airlines are completely booked-up already." Woods last faced the Mexican for the defence of his title in his hometown back in September 2005. The Yorkshireman won the bout on points over 12 rounds. It's a dream come true for any boxer and his promoter, and Clinton explains at the start of his career he'd have never thought he and Dennis would come this far: | "I believe, and a lot of people out there and the good pundits believe that Clinton is, out and out the number one light heavyweight in the world" | | Promoter Dennis Hobson |
"When you look back at it, it's quite funny... we first started with little shows in Pinegrove (Country Club)... the atmosphere were great. "If I'd have looked back then and thought in 12 years time I'd be defending a title in Vegas... I'd have never have thought that. Dennis put his first promotions on in Pinegrove, now he's putting big promotions on in Las Vegas." Woods will fight on the same bill as stable-mate Ricky Hatton who faces Jose Luis Castillio at the Las Vegas Thomas and Mak Center. It will be Clinton's first return to the ring since his defeat of long-term rival Glen Johnson at Bolton's Reebok Stadium in September, 2006. "I feel as though I'm at my best, it's time now to show the Americans, and that's where it all happens. I'm sure the Americans will love the way I fight.  | | Will be Woods' fourth defence of his title |
"Gonzalez is gonna come for a fight and I'm sure it'll be a great scrap. I've been doing quite a lot of strength work... I haven't been this strong since the Rico Hoye fight." Dennis Hobson, promoter for both Woods and Hatton says it's time for Clinton show the US audience what he's made of: "After the last Johnson fight... in a way he lost a little bit of momentum 'cause of an injury sustained during that fight, and that's cleared up now. "It didn't clear up as quickly as we wanted it to. I had two dates from Showtime (cable television network) in the US for him to fight Roy Jones and Antonio Tarver. Both in their own right would have been major fights. "We've got the massive bonus in that Ricky Hatton is fighting in Vegas on June 23rd... and Clinton is going to be fighting as a co-feature, like a double-header on the same bill." Breaking the US marketPromoter Hobson had attempted to merge the defences for both Hatton's and Clinton's titles, but had found it difficult to agree a financial settlement with all the parties concerned: "I'm maybe subsidising it a little bit to make it happen. I always wanted to showcase him in the 'States, 'cause the only memories they've (US fight fans) got over there is when Clinton lost to Roy Jones. "Clinton is now a completely different fighter... as of the last four, five, six fights. He's a different character, different mentality, different physically. "I believe, and a lot of people out there and the good pundits believe that Clinton is, out and out the number one light heavyweight in the world. "With regards to me being an ambitious boxing promoter, these are the sort of things you dream about. "For you to get up there in the premier league as a promoter then these are the sort of shows you want to be putting on, especially in the capital of boxing." | 
