Clinton Woods will realise an ambition when he takes on the American, Antonio Tarver, the former undisputed world light-heavyweight champion, in Florida in April.

Tarver and Woods, the IBF champion, squared up in a London casino yesterday ahead of their meeting in Tampa on April 12.

"I've always wanted him since I become world champion, I've always hated him and I can't stand the guy even more now," said Woods. "You are in a tough fight, you'll have bad dreams about this fight," he added.

Tarver, winner of two low-key warm-up fights since taking a year out of the ring to appear in a film, pledged to re-establish himself as the world's top 175lb fighter.

To do that he must overcome Woods and then beat the winner of the bout between Chad Dawson, the WBC holder, and former champion Glen Johnson on the same bill.

"Right now boxing is my 100% total focus," said the American. "I feel and believe I'm the best light-heavyweight in the world. These other guys have those belts because I vacated.

"They should be thankful I gave them the opportunity to have a piece of the stage. All that must come to an end on April 12."

Tarver, upset at perceived insults from Woods, added: "Thank God for the internet.

"I've been keeping abreast on what this guy has had to say, and when he comes to my town, I'll teach him respect."

He asked the Englishman: "How the hell in your right mind do you think you are going to knock me out - something that has never been done before?

"You're the only one here who knows what it's like to be knocked out and I'm going to give you reminiscences of what it's about."

A puzzled Woods retorted: "Who's knocked me out? I've never been knocked out."

When Tarver then said that Roy Jones had knocked him out, Woods replied that his corner had pulled him out of the fight after six rounds.

The pair had to be separated by Dennis Hobson, Woods' promoter, before Tarver said: "Everything I've ever said I've backed it up. You're gonna be knocked out on April 12.

"You've gotta learn how to respect me. You've never seen anybody like me in your whole career. You're not fit to carry my bag. You're history on April 12."