Clinton Woods retained his IBF light heavyweight title in his first defense, winning by unanimous decision Friday night over Mexican Julio Gonzalez.

Fighting in his hometown, Woods dominated the 12-round contest with his speed and sharp left jab. There were no knockdowns.

The judges scored it 117-111, 118-112 and 116-112.

Woods, 33, who won the vacant title in his fourth attempt by beating American Rico Hoye in March, improved his record to 38-3-1. The Los Angeles-based Gonzalez, a former WBO champion, dropped to 38-3.

Woods started strongly, using his jab to score points and keep Gonzalez at bay. The 29-year-old Mexican kept coming forward but looked ragged and heavy-legged at times, only occasionally landing strong body shots.

Gonzalez did well in the middle of the fight, but Woods stepped up the pressure in the final rounds and was firmly in control.

A computer count showed that Woods landed 183 punches to 133 for Gonzalez.

``He was very awkward,'' Woods said. ``I'm glad I got past him because he makes good fighters look bad.

``I felt in control, especially in the second half of the fight. I feel so strong. That guy is supposed to be the toughest and strongest light heavy in the world but I felt stronger than him.''

Woods hopes to fight the winner of the bout Oct. 1 between Roy Jones Jr. and Antonio Tarver. Jones stopped Woods in the sixth round three years ago in Portland, Ore.