Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington share similar thoughts, both having felt underestimated and taking pleasure in proving doubters wrong in the past. However, last night presented an opportunity for both boxers to prove themselves in the ring, with only one emerging victorious.
Wood impressively defended his WBA featherweight title, securing a surprising seventh-round KO against Warrington. Nevertheless, we may have to wait a while before witnessing the British boxer’s return to action, and it might not be in the same weight class.
Leigh Wood aims to take a break to switch to super featherweight division
According to Michael Benson, the online boxing editor for talkSPORT.com, Leigh Wood has declared that he wants some time off before his next fight. The potential venue of Wood’s next fight will be Nottingham Forest FC’s City Ground.
Leigh Wood has declared that he wants some time off before his next fight, which will be targeted to take place at Nottingham Forest FC's City Ground next summer. Eddie Hearn has stated that Wood will vacate his WBA featherweight world title and move up to super-featherweight.
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) October 7, 2023
Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn revealed that Leigh is most likely to vacate his WBA featherweight title and move up to the super featherweight division.
Wood made his third appearance of the year after his thrilling two-fight encounter against Mauricio Lara that saw him lose and reclaim his world title. So the break that the WBA featherweight champion is taking is well deserved.
Leigh Wood KO’s Josh Warrington
Josh Warrington had been in control of the match and it looked like Wood wouldn’t be able to defend his title. However, Wood put his foot on the pedal in the seventh round and pulled off a beauty.
NEVER COUNT HIM OUT 🤯@itsLeighWood stops Josh Warrington in round 7 #WoodWarrington | @DAZNBoxing pic.twitter.com/Keo1KY6BMH
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) October 7, 2023
Despite Leigh Wood being the favored fighter entering the bout, it seemed he was on the verge of losing his title. However, one of the most stunning come-from-behind victories in recent British boxing history resulted in ‘The Leeds Warrior’ being knocked flat to the mat.
AND STILL @itsLeighWood 👑#WoodWarrington | @WilliamHill pic.twitter.com/fYyq44PIWf
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) October 7, 2023
As the seventh round was drawing to a close, Wood unleashed a right hook followed by a combination that sent Warrington to the canvas. ‘The Leeds Warrior’ managed to get back on his feet but appeared unsteady, leading the referee to wave off the fight as Wood successfully defended his world title. Leigh Wood’s victory serves as a testament to never giving up; up to the seventh round, it seemed likely that Warrington would be crowned the new WBA featherweight champion, but Wood had other plans.
Tell us in the comments your thoughts on the stunning comeback by Wood. Also share your thoughts on Wood’s decision to move up to super featherweight.
