Tavoris Cloud is determined to beat Sheffield's Clinton Woods in their IBF light-heavyweight world title clash on Friday.
American boxer believes he can beat vastly more experienced opponent
Tavoris Cloud is determined to beat Sheffield's Clinton Woods in their IBF light-heavyweight world title clash on Friday.
The bout at the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood comes after former champion Chad Dawson vacated the belt and opted for a fight against Glen Johnson in November.
The unbeaten Cloud, who earned an IBF mandatory challenger ranking thanks to his 19-0 record with 18 knockouts, says he will not let this opportunity slip against former champion Woods, who has a 42-4-1 (24 KO) record.
Cloud told
badlefthook.com: "Winning a world title will be a lifelong dream accomplished.
Huge opportunity
"I know this is a huge opportunity and that's why I have worked out so hard for the fight."
While Woods is vastly more experienced, Cloud is undaunted at the prospect of fighting the 37-year-old.
He said: "He might have the experience and more fights, but that won't mean anything when he gets in the ring."
Cloud grew up in dire poverty and is determined not to go back there.
"I'll fight to the death to make sure I won't go back," the 27-year-old American insisted to
ESPN.
