By Ben Dirs

Woods is eager for revenge over Johnson

Sheffield's Clinton Woods hopes to lure Glen Johnson into a third showdown after the Jamaican's proposed clash with Joe Calzaghe fell through.

Johnson, 37, was set to fight super middleweight king Calzaghe on 8 July before the Welshman injured his hand.

Richard Poxon, trainer of IBF light heavyweight champion Woods, told BBC Sport: "Johnson was scheduled to fight Clinton as the number one contender.

"We're hoping he won't lose his ranking because he opted to fight Calzaghe."

Woods, 34, has drawn and lost two previous fights with Johnson (in November 2003 and February 2004) and has long chased a winning conclusion to their trilogy.

Johnson's second win over Woods saw him claim the vacant IBF title, which he defended against Roy Jones Jr in September 2004 before relinquishing it to fight the division's other main protagonist, America's Antonio Tarver.

Losing his fight with Calzaghe could leave Glen Johnson in no man's land Clinton Woods' trainer Richard Poxon

Johnson beat Tarver on a split decision in an IBO title bout in December 2004, but Tarver gained revenge with a split decision of his own last June.

Poxon admits securing a third bout will all depend on the IBF officials, who may decide to drop Johnson from their rankings after his decision to fight Calzaghe.

"We were negotiating with Johnson but then Calzaghe came along and he dropped everything and we didn't hear anymore," he said.

"When we heard about a proposed fight with Calzaghe, Clinton was obviously devastated.

"But we're hoping no stern action will be taken by the IBF and Johnson will be free to get this fight back on.

"They may well be ready to nominate someone else for Clinton's mandatory defence. Losing his fight with Calzaghe could leave Glen Johnson in no man's land."

Woods claimed the vacant IBF crown against Rico Hoye last March and has made two defences, including a sixth-round stoppage of Australia's Jason DeLisle last month.

And Poxon insists his charge is a far better fighter than he was in his two previous meetings with Johnson and should have the edge if they get it on again.

"If they did meet again it would be a very, very tough fight but I'd still fancy Clinton," said Poxon.

"I'm convinced that going up against any of the best light heavyweights he would win. He's got more self-belief and we've also worked a lot on his defence."