Leigh Wood Acknowledges the High Stakes in Warrington Bout
In boxing, familiarity can lead to a certain level of contempt. That is proving to be the case for WBA featherweight champion Leigh Wood (27-3, 16 KOs) and two-time IBF featherweight champion Josh “The Leeds Warrior” Warrington (31-2-1, 8 KOs). Wood plans to settle their differences once and for all.
The two fighters will battle one another on October 7 at Sheffield Arena in Sheffield, England. Their careers often parallel one another. During an interview with The Ring, the defending champion opened up about how well-acquainted he is with his upcoming opponent.
“I’ve seen Josh many times in the flesh. I’ve been ringside for his last three or four fights.”
Wood regained the WBA title in his last outing – a unanimous decision victory over Mauricio Lara on May 27. It was arguably the most satisfactory performance of Wood’s career to date.
NOT PUTTING UP WITH ANY RIDICULE
But in the lead-up to the fight against Warrington, the former IBF champion has questioned Wood’s level of opposition. One could surmise that Warrington believes that the reigning WBA champion is overrated. Wood has all the respect in the world for The Leeds Warrior, but intends to make him pay for his dismissive comments on fight night.
“He’s got a lot of qualities. He’s got a lot of things similar to myself. He’ll never quit . . . He’s got a big heart. But on the other hand, he does make a lot of mistakes, he does a lot of things, which I can exploit. He does a lot of things well, but he does a lot of things bad, and I need to make the most of those moments.”
“He tried to diminish what I’ve achieved . . . he said a few things, and I thought, ‘this is going to be his undoing’ . . . I just don’t think he realizes the extent of my abilities, my power, and what I’ve achieved.”
AWARE OF WHAT IS AT STAKE
Wood versus Warrington is a significant bout in the fighter’s home country of Great Britain. The defending champion thinks he’s on the cusp of some big fights in 2024, including a possible unification match with IBF champion Luis Alberto Lopez. As a result, losing is not an option.
“There’s a lot on the line. I’m one fight away from my dream fight. He’s one fight away from everyone saying, enough is enough.”
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