Leigh Wood v Josh Warrington: Rematch likely to be next as Wood says he no longer likes fellow Briton

Leigh Wood vs. Josh Warrington: Anticipating a Rematch with No Love Lost

In the world of boxing, grudges can sometimes brew where there was once camaraderie. This seems to be the case between British featherweight champions Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington. In a surprising turn of events, Wood, the reigning WBA featherweight titleholder, has revealed that he no longer holds any respect for his fellow Briton, Warrington. As a result, a highly anticipated rematch is on the horizon, and it might just happen at the iconic Nottingham Forest’s City Ground in May.

Wood, at the age of 35, has an impressive record of 28 wins, with 17 of those victories coming by way of knockout, and only three losses since he turned pro in 2014. However, what has captured the attention of the boxing world is his stunning seventh-round knockout victory over Warrington in October. At that point in the fight, Warrington was seemingly dominating, but Wood managed to turn the tables in spectacular fashion.

What’s particularly intriguing about this rematch is the shift in dynamics between the two fighters. During the lead-up to their first bout, there was a palpable sense of mutual respect, and there were no signs of animosity or bad blood. However, Wood has made it clear that this time around, things will be different. “I don’t like him. I’d like to make the win more decisive this time,” he boldly declared. He went on to explain, “The build-up last time was respectful, but since then he’s been very bitter, and it’s been getting a little worse lately.”

One might wonder what has caused this drastic change in Wood’s attitude towards his former opponent. It seems that Warrington’s behavior following their initial encounter played a significant role. Wood mentioned that Warrington had become increasingly bitter and had engaged in some unsportsmanlike behavior, both on social media and in public statements. Warrington’s refusal to accept defeat and his attempts to provoke a rematch have only fueled the fire.

In a surprising twist, Wood has vacated his world title to move up to the super-featherweight division. While he has been linked to a potential showdown with Britain’s IBF champion, Joe Cordina, Wood has his sights set on an even bigger prize—Mexico’s WBO champion, Emanuel Navarrete. “There are two people I want to fight. I’d like Navarrete because he’s number one, and I would like to take his spot,” Wood asserted. However, the prevailing sentiment among fans is that a rematch with Warrington is what they truly desire, and it appears increasingly likely to happen.

The choice of Nottingham Forest’s City Ground as the venue for this showdown adds another layer of intrigue to the story. Wood, a lifelong Forest fan, had it stipulated in his contract with Matchroom that his next fight be held at the Premier League club’s historic stadium. On the other side of the ring, Warrington, a devoted Leeds United supporter, is expected to bring a significant following from his city.

In Wood’s words, “It’s all about filling the City ground, getting a good atmosphere, and doing good numbers.” The prospect of these two passionate fan bases converging at this iconic venue for a rematch filled with animosity and tension is undoubtedly tantalizing for boxing enthusiasts.

So, as the stage is set and the tension mounts, the boxing world eagerly awaits the rematch between Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington, where the love that once existed has been replaced by a burning desire for victory and redemption. It’s a clash that promises not only athletic prowess but also a heavy dose of drama and emotion, making it a must-watch event for fans of the sweet science.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Featherweight Rematch

More about Featherweight Rematch

• Leigh Wood’s knockout victory over Josh Warrington
• Nottingham Forest’s City Ground
• Emanuel Navarrete, WBO featherweight champion
• Josh Warrington’s bitter remarks