Woods believes he is ready to take on and beat Roy Jones

The injury, which hampered him in his win over Glen Johnson earlier this month, first emerged last September.

"They need to cut out a piece of muscle in my left forearm, just below the elbow, which has been giving me a lot of pain over the last year," he said.

"I just want it done now so I don't have to worry about it."

Clinton Woods - boxing defence

The muscle needs to be removed from Woods' arm in order to let the tendon heal.

The 34-year-old became aware of the problem as he prepared for his first IBF title defence against Julio Gonzalez last year.

But despite the injury affecting him during his title defence against Johnson in Bolton, Woods went on to win the contest after a split decision.

I think I can stay at this level for at least two years Clinton Woods

"During the middle rounds it was giving me some real pain but then Johnson must have landed some of those big shots because I just had to stop thinking about the arm and worrying about winning the fight," Woods added.

"After the fight my arm just ballooned up to three times its normal size and went all purple. It was a little worrying, but it looked strange at the same time."

Woods is confident the operation will not affect his career and wants to take on fading legend Roy Jones to exact revenge for a defeat suffered at the hands of the American back in 2002.

"Now I just want to have this operation, heal up, and come back next year better than ever," said Woods.

"Now I've got revenge on Johnson, Roy Jones is my new number one target.

"I wasn't ready for him when I fought him four years ago but I've matured late and I think I can stay at this level for at least two years.

"In that time I think I can get the fights I want and leave a good legacy.

"Not too many fighters have come back from disappointments like I have and then make three defences of a world title."