Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington II: Overview of the Intense Rivalry
Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington are set to meet again on Saturday, two-and-a-half years after their initial, contentious encounter.
This long-awaited rematch has been highlighted in a humorous promotional video, which shows both fighters as elderly men in 2075 still seeking to settle their rivalry, indicating the ongoing tension between them.
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Finally, the rematch is upon us, accompanied by a strong undercard scheduled for Nottingham.
Here is all the essential information regarding their rivalry.
Who are Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington?
Both fighters are among the most celebrated in British boxing, boasting substantial fan support from their respective cities. Wood hails from Nottingham, while Warrington is from Leeds.
The rivalry between these two cities is rooted in the historical competition between their football teams, Nottingham Forest and Leeds United.
Wood is a former featherweight champion, whereas Warrington has held the IBF title twice, making him a two-time champion in the division.
What happened in the first fight?
– Leigh Wood, Josh Warrington clash in heated face-off
Wood defended his WBA featherweight title against Warrington in Sheffield in October 2023. Trailing on the scorecards (58-56, 59-55, and 59-55), Wood appeared to be heading for a second loss in three bouts.
Nevertheless, he managed to secure a Round 7 knockout to retain his title, which left Warrington dissatisfied.
In the final moments of the round, Wood connected with a right hand, followed by a four-punch combination that knocked Warrington down just as the bell rang. Although Warrington quickly got back to his feet, he was unsteady. He made his way to his corner and leaned against the ropes, but the referee stopped the contest.
Leading up to the rematch, Warrington claimed the fight was halted too soon, a point Wood contests.
What is at stake?
No title is on the line this time, but Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena sold out well before fight night, promising an exhilarating event.
Considering the history and tension between the two fighters, there is significant pride at stake.
Warrington is 35 years old, while Wood is 37, placing both fighters near the twilight of their careers.
The loser may contemplate retirement, while Wood has informed ESPN that even a win could lead him to step away from the sport.
Who is on the card?
– The next Anthony Joshua? Leo Atang is ready to carve his own path
The buildup to the main event features a mix of title bouts and emerging talents.
Former UFC fighter Molly McCann returns to the ring for her third professional boxing match, facing Beata Dudek.
Matchroom’s 19-year-old prospect Tiah-Mai Ayton is stepping up again to compete against Catherine Tacone Ramos, while heavyweight Leo Atang, referred to by Eddie Hearn as “the next Anthony Joshua,” will take on Dan Garber.
Sandy Ryan has the opportunity to become a two-weight world champion, challenging Karla Ramos Zamora for the WBC junior welterweight title after moving down from welterweight.
Fan-favorite Dave Allen also makes his return against Karim Berredjem.
In the co-main event, Ishmael Davis will defend his British and Commonwealth junior middleweight titles against Bilal Fawaz.
Full undercard:
Leigh Wood vs. Josh Warrington, 12 rounds, junior lightweights
Ishmael Davis vs. Bilal Fawaz, 12 rounds, for Davis’ British junior middleweight title
Dave Allen vs. Karim Berredjem, 10 rounds, heavyweights
Title fight: Sandy Ryan vs. Karla Ramos Zamora, 10 rounds, for the vacant WBC women’s junior welterweight title
Leo Atang vs. Dan Garber, 6 rounds, heavyweights
Tiah Mai Ayton vs. Catherine Tacone Ramos, 6 rounds, women’s bantamweights
Molly McCann vs. Beata Dudek, 6 rounds, junior featherweights
