In a jaw-dropping turn of events, Leigh Wood staged an incredible comeback in the seventh round to secure a stunning knockout victory over Josh Warrington, thus defending his WBA featherweight title in Sheffield.
Before the seventh round, Warrington had been the dominant force in the ring, leaving spectators wondering if Wood would be able to hold onto his belt. But then, in a moment of sheer brilliance, a thunderous left hook from Wood was followed by a relentless flurry of punches that sent the Leeds boxer crashing to the canvas.
Wood had entered the fight as the favorite, but as the bout progressed, it seemed like his championship reign was hanging by a thread. However, what unfolded was one of the most dramatic comebacks in recent British boxing history, sending the Nottingham boxer’s supporters into a frenzy.
Speaking about his incredible victory, Wood stated, “I fight until the end, I’ve not got a quit in me. I knew he’d get sloppy at times, and I made him pay.” He went on to explain, “I had to give rounds away; he’s a great champion and he doesn’t quit. I had to dig in and dig deep, and I did, but I knew my power would get to him. It’s about staying calm and composed. I got the job done.”
Warrington, a two-time world champion, had not stepped into the ring for 10 months after a shocking defeat to Luis Alberto Lopez. However, his all-action display in this fight initially silenced doubts about his top-level credentials. Yet, following this loss, his future in elite boxing appears uncertain at best.
This was the second time Warrington had been stopped in a fight, with his previous TKO defeat coming against Mauricio Lara in 2021. In the lead-up to the fight, there was a noticeable contrast in energy between the two fighters during the weigh-in, with Warrington exuding vitality while Wood remained calm and composed. This difference in energy carried over into the ring, with Warrington aggressively pursuing Wood from the start.
During round three, Warrington had Wood on the ropes twice, unleashing flurries of rapid punches. The champion, initially fighting in a southpaw stance before switching to orthodox, also suffered swelling to his right eye. Warrington continued to maintain a frenetic pace throughout the first half of the fight, landing cleaner hits and leaving Wood stumbling.
Promoter Eddie Hearn, in disbelief of Wood’s comeback, remarked, “I thought he was a round away from losing.”
But Wood had other plans. In the seventh round, he unleashed a thunderous left hook that visibly rocked Warrington. This devastating punch was followed by a combination of five punches, including a couple to the body and a left hook to the temple, securing a thrilling victory for the 35-year-old and allowing him to retain his title.
Wood has a history of digging deep to recover from losing positions, reminiscent of his win against Michael Conlan in March 2022 when he was down on all three judges’ scorecards going into the final round but still found a knockout punch. With this victory, Wood now boasts 17 knockout wins on his record, and it’s safe to say this one ranks among the sweetest.
In a surprising twist, Wood received a more enthusiastic reception from the Sheffield arena crowd, with seemingly more Nottingham Forest fans present than supporters of Leeds United. Warrington’s entrance to the tune of “Marching On Together,” the song of Leeds, in a city where Sheffield United and Wednesday are fierce rivals, was an unpopular choice. Wood, a fervent Forest fan himself, has long dreamed of fighting at the City Ground, and after this 28th win in his 31-bout career, that dream seems closer to becoming a reality.
Additionally, Wood hinted at a possible change in weight class, stating that featherweight is now “done.”
Reflecting on the fight, promoter Eddie Hearn praised Wood’s performance, saying, “Josh switched off for a second, and it was goodnight Vienna.” Hearn added, “Josh was desperate to carry on and he was trying to compose himself. He didn’t have his senses to carry on. The ref made the right decision, what a thriller.”
While Wood is undoubtedly on cloud nine, this fight was a nightmare for Warrington, who needed a win here to recover from his shocking loss to Lopez in front of a home Leeds crowd in December of the previous year. Despite Warrington’s all-action showing, his lack of knockout power, with only eight stoppages in 32 fights, was evident once again.
In the end, it was Wood’s power that shone through in round seven, providing a brutal and stunning conclusion to a fight between two rivals who had shown the utmost respect for each other in the build-up, ultimately delivering an enthralling contest that did British boxing proud.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Featherweight Championship
Q: How did Leigh Wood secure the victory in the WBA featherweight title fight against Josh Warrington?
A: Leigh Wood staged a remarkable comeback in the seventh round, landing a thunderous left hook followed by a relentless flurry of punches that knocked Josh Warrington to the canvas, securing a dramatic knockout victory and retaining his WBA featherweight title.
Q: What was the lead-up to the fight, and why was it significant for both fighters?
A: Josh Warrington had not fought for 10 months after a shocking defeat to Luis Alberto Lopez, making this fight crucial for his career. Leigh Wood, on the other hand, entered the bout as the favorite, seeking to defend his championship.
Q: Were there any significant moments or turning points in the fight?
A: Yes, the turning point came in the seventh round when Leigh Wood unleashed a powerful left hook that rocked Warrington, followed by a combination of punches that secured the knockout. Warrington had dominated the earlier rounds, but Wood’s comeback was sensational.
Q: What is the significance of this victory for Leigh Wood?
A: This victory not only allowed Leigh Wood to retain his WBA featherweight title but also showcased his ability to come back from losing positions. It was a pivotal moment in his career and solidified his reputation as a top-tier fighter.
Q: What are the future prospects for both fighters following this bout?
A: For Leigh Wood, this victory may open doors to new opportunities, potentially in a different weight class. For Josh Warrington, the loss raises questions about his future in elite boxing, as it was his second stoppage defeat in recent times.
Q: How did the fans react to the fight, and what was the atmosphere like in the arena?
A: The fans gave Leigh Wood a warm reception, with strong support from Nottingham Forest fans. Josh Warrington’s entrance to the song of Leeds, in a rival city, was met with some disapproval. The atmosphere in the arena was electric, especially after Wood’s stunning comeback.
Q: Did this fight live up to the hype, and was it an entertaining contest?
A: Absolutely, the fight exceeded expectations with its dramatic twists and turns. Both fighters showed tremendous heart and skill, making it an enthralling and memorable contest for boxing fans.
More about Featherweight Championship
- BBC Sport: Leigh Wood stops Josh Warrington to dramatically keep WBA featherweight title
- Leigh Wood’s official record
- Josh Warrington’s official record
- Eddie Hearn’s comments on the fight
- Leigh Wood’s knockout win against Michael Conlan
- Information on getting into boxing
1 comment
wow, this fight wuz so epic, i cant belive how Leigh Wood turned it around! Knockout was insane!