Leigh Wood moves up to super-featherweight
It’s something that has been mooted for a while, however according to Dan Rafael via Twitter, Leigh Wood () has now formally vacated his WBA featherweight belt and will be taking his powers up to 130lbs.
It has been no secret within the industry that the tall Nottingham banger hasn’t found it easy to boil down to the 126lb limit, with many attesting his flat showing last time out against Josh Warrington to his struggles at the weight, despite pulling it back with a seventh-round stoppage win.
It has been a sensational run over the past two years for a man who was once considered no more than a solid domestic level fighter. Under the tutelage of Ben Davidson, ‘Leigh-thal' has improved dramatically, with his reign beginning via an upset stoppage victory over the then champion and all-action Can Xu, with just 17 seconds to go in the fight.
This was followed by a come from behind KO victory and fight of the year against Michael Conlan, once again in the 12th round with just seconds remaining, before hitting a huge speed bump when taking possibly the riskiest fight in the division, going up against the dynamite fisted Mauricio Lara.
Despite being up on points, the worst possible scenario came to fruition, with Wood being laid out with a single left hook in round seven by the marauding Mexican. Despite this setback, testament to his character, the Nottingham fan favourite jumped straight back in with the South American bogeyman, exacting revenge in the form of a methodical and uncharacteristically careful, clever, wide decision win.
Last time out, we were granted one final instalment of the epic drama that has been Leigh Wood’s WBA title reign, pulling out another sensational come from behind victory over Leeds hero Josh Warrington, in a fight where in all honesty at times he looked completely out of ideas.
It appears he has reflected on his latest performance and realised he may have clutched victory from the jaws of defeat at featherweight for one last time.
This sensible decision does make sense when looking at the landscape of the 126lb division. IBF ruler Luis Alberto Lopez may well be the best of the bunch, whilst Cuban slickster and WBC champion Robeisy Ramirez looks like he would be a stylistic nightmare for Wood, as well as likely not bringing much to the table from a commercial standpoint.
Up at super-featherweight, don’t be surprised to see a rematch with Josh Warrington still take place, whilst a huge UK clash with fellow Matchroom fighter, the Welsh Wizard Joe Cordina, also being an option that would give Leigh Wood another big pay day, which at this stage of his career is likely the main focus.
The 35-year-old from Gedling is still trying to secure his legacy with a stadium fight at the City Ground, the home venue of the football club he has supported since childhood.
"Carl Froch did unbelievable things for our city," Wood told BBC Radio Nottingham. "He headlined at Wembley, he changed the game for fighters coming through. He achieved a lot of things in the sport, but for me to have my own little stamp on my career, and to give me my own identity, there is nothing better than to be the first person to headline at City Ground.
"It is very personal for me. I have a lot of good relationships at the club, I've been a fan for a long time and I know when I walk out to 'Mull of Kintyre' at the City Ground, it will be something I will never witness again."
A fight at the 30,000 seater stadium is currently being discussed, he confirmed, "It's in the pipeline now, the ball is rolling, the conversations have taken place, dates have been spoken about. It's getting exciting."
Whatever the next move, the UK boxing fanbase will all be tuning in to witness what will no doubt be another drama filled encounter for one of the most entertaining fighters we currently possess.
Super-featherweight World Champions
WBC: O'Shaquie Foster
WBA: Hector Luis Garcia
IBF: Joe Cordina
WBO: Emanuel Navarette
IBO: Anthony Cacace
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