No ‘easy’ rematch with Warrington, says Wood

Leigh Wood says he “does not want an easy night” against Josh Warrington when the former featherweight world champions renew their rivalry in Nottingham on Saturday.

The pair will contest a rematch at the Motorpoint Arena, more than two years after their dramatic first fight ended with a Wood knockout.

Despite plenty of needle and animosity lingering in the build-up, Thursday’s news conference was cordial, with both men fully focused.

“I don’t think it’s going to be easy. I’m not expecting it to be easy and nor do I want it to be easy,” said the 37-year-old Wood.

“I actually feel better when I’m going through it and then I get the victory.”

He holds a record of 28 wins and four defeats, with 17 of those victories coming by knockout.

Nottingham-born Wood – who has built a reputation in recent years for his heavy hands and consistent threat inside the ring – insisted he was not underestimating Warrington either.

His victory over the 35-year-old in October 2023 remains one of the most memorable all-British fights of recent years.

Warrington appeared to be edging the action in Sheffield through his work-rate and pressure, before Wood unleashed a powerful right hand in the seventh round to force a stunning stoppage.

Leeds-born Warrington described that as a “fantastic” punch but promised to make the necessary adjustments this time to change the outcome.

Warrington, whose record has 32 wins in 37 bouts, with four defeats and a draw, is a two-time IBF featherweight champion, while Wood held the WBA featherweight crown in 2023.

But much has changed since their first meeting as both men have suffered setbacks against Anthony Cacace. Warrington briefly retired after his loss to the Belfast fighter in September 2024 before deciding to return.

“I mourned my career a little bit then decided to continue because I felt I had more than enough to do some things in this sport,” he said.

With careers hanging in the balance, there is a growing sense defeat could spell the end for either man, and even the winner might also call it a day.

Also on the undercard in Nottingham will be an exciting women’s contest as Derby-born Sandy Ryan challenges Mexico’s Karla Ramos Zamora for the vacant WBC world super lightweight title, while Bilal Fawaz meets Ishmael Davis for the British light middleweight crown.