Wood vs Warrington II: Explosive Rematch in Nottingham, Analysis and Fight Card

The wait is finally over! Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington will face each other again this Saturday, more than two years after their first and controversial fight. The anticipation has been long, as reflected in a promotional video of the fight that shows both boxers in old age, in the year 2075, still waiting for the fight. The rivalry between the two is evident.

A Clash with History

This anticipated encounter will take place in Nottingham, with a card full of exciting fights. Here we tell you everything about this intense rivalry.

Who are Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington?

These boxers are very beloved figures in British boxing, with a large fan base coming from their hometowns. Wood, from Nottingham, and Warrington, from Leeds, represent the pride of their cities. The rivalry between both cities is based on the historical competition between their football teams, Nottingham Forest and Leeds United. Wood is a two-time featherweight champion, while Warrington has also been a two-time champion in the same division, having won the IBF belt twice.

What happened in the first fight?

Wood defended his WBA featherweight title against Warrington in Sheffield in October 2023. Although he was behind on the scorecards (58-56, 59-55 and 59-55), Wood managed a knockout in the seventh round to retain his belt, although Warrington disagreed with the decision.

A few seconds before the end of the round, Wood connected a right hand followed by a combination of four punches that sent Warrington to the canvas as the bell rang. Warrington got up immediately, but with wobbly legs. He went to his corner and leaned on the ropes, but the referee stopped the fight.

Before the rematch, Warrington insisted the fight was stopped prematurely, but Wood disagreed.

What’s at stake?

Although there is no title at stake on this occasion, the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham sold out long before the night of the fight, promising an exciting event. The history and tension between the boxers add an extra ingredient, with a lot of pride at stake. Warrington is 35 years old and Wood is 37, indicating that both are near the end of their careers. The loser might consider retirement, while Wood has mentioned the possibility of retiring even if he achieves victory.

Who makes up the lineup?

The prelude to the main event offers a combination of championship fights and rising stars. The former UFC star, Molly McCann, returns to the ring in her third professional boxing match, facing Beata Dudek. Tiah-Mai Ayton, the 19-year-old Matchroom star, will face Catherine Tacone Ramos. In addition, heavyweight Leo Atang, nicknamed by Eddie Hearn as “the next Anthony Joshua”, will face Dan Garber. Sandy Ryan has the opportunity to become a two-weight world champion, facing Karla Ramos Zamora for the WBC super-lightweight belt, after dropping down from welterweight. Dave Allen, a fan favorite, also returns to action against Karim Berredjem. In the co-main event, Ishmael Davis will defend his British and Commonwealth junior middleweight titles against Bilal Fawaz.

Full Billboard:

• Leigh Wood vs. Josh Warrington, 12 rounds, super lightweight
• Ishmael Davis vs. Bilal Fawaz, 12 rounds, for Davis’ British junior middleweight title
• Dave Allen vs. Karim Berredjem, 10 rounds, heavyweight
• Title fight: Sandy Ryan vs. Karla Ramos Zamora, 10 rounds, for the vacant WBC female super lightweight title
• Leo Atang vs. Dan Garber, 6 rounds, heavyweight
• Tiah Mai Ayton vs. Catherine Tacone Ramos, 6 rounds, female bantamweight
• Molly McCann vs. Beata Dudek, 6 rounds, super featherweight