Newly-crowned IBF light-heavyweight champion Clinton Woods said a determination to prove his critics wrong helped him finally capture the world title which has eluded him for so long.

Sheffield man Woods tore apart fancied American Rico Hoye at a packed-out Magna Centre in Rotherham, forcing a stoppage inside five action-packed rounds to claim the vacant belt.

After three unsuccessful world title challenges in the past - losing out to Roy Jones and Glencoffe Johnson - Woods seized what may have proven to be his last opportunity by dominating the 30-year-old puncher from Detroit.