Could you still fight him? Sure. Could you win? Maybe. But are you willing to take that chance. Nope.
The novel makes exactly that point. Vito asks Tom if Woltz has "real balls." Tom thinks: Woltz has character, he has strength...but would he be willing to risk all on a point honor? He replies to Vito: "You're asking if he's a Sicilian. The answer is no.
As I was reading down this thread, I was instantly taken to the Don's conversation with Tom and whether Woltz had balls. Turnbull hit the nail on the head. Tom's answer to Vito completely answered the question. Woltz may have been powerful in his world but he wasn't "sicillian" and ultimately knew he had no chance against the Corleones.
Was it a deleted scene or from the book? In my mind I, really can't distinguish. I've read the book and watched the movies so many times that they all run together sometimes.
