Wood defence in opposition to Warrington in all-British bout confirmed for October
The Nottingham fighter turned a two-time world champion in May when beating Mauricio Lara to select up the WBA title at 126lbs, avenging the defeat three months earlier that noticed him lose that belt.
Lara was stripped of his title after failing to make the load for the rematch, however Wood opted to go forward with the battle and it proved a clever determination as he eased to a snug factors victory.
He will put his belt on the road on the Utilita Arena Sheffield in October in opposition to Warrington, who himself has fought Lara twice. The first of these bouts got here in February 2021 and noticed Warrington endure the primary defeat of his skilled profession, whereas the rematch got here to a untimely finish as a conflict of heads resulted in a foul minimize above Lara’s left eye.
Warrington may have the chance to turn into a three-time world champion however is aware of he has loads of inquiries to reply too after a troublesome run. The 32-year misplaced his IBF world title to Luis Alberto Lopez on the finish of final 12 months, with the person from Leeds profitable only one bout since 2019.
“This is a big fight,” Warrington mentioned. “It doesn’t get much better than a domestic dust up for a World Title! I’m obsessed in becoming a three-weight world champion, to get back on top and that is going to show on the night.
“I will bring an army of fans to Sheffield and the atmosphere will be special. Leigh has had a good run and put some good wins together but I just don’t believe he can live with me. I hope he thinks my best days are behind me, on October 7 he’ll find out.”
Wood mentioned: “In terms of the followings we’ve got, the football clubs and the cities, this is arguably the biggest British rivalry in the sport. For me, it doesn’t really get any bigger. Our styles will gel and that should make for a very exciting and entertaining fight. It should go down in British history.
“Josh has some great wins on his record and is obviously a two-time world champion, but this is a fight that he cannot lose. He’s never really been in a boring fight – but neither have I. This fight will be all-action and the fans should be in for a great night.”