Josh Warrington looking at other options due to Leigh Wood rematch delay
Former featherweight world champion, Josh Warrington, had hoped that 2024 would offer him the opportunity to avenge his loss to Leigh Wood and get revenge at Wood’s beloved City Ground in front of his loyal Nottingham Forest supporters. However, it seems that there is little hope remaining for ‘The Leeds Warrior’ who is now looking at other options.
Warrington went into the clash as a sizeable underdog, despite being a two-time champion at the weight, but after six rounds of one-way traffic, it seemed as though Warrington was on track to upset the odds. That was until Wood landed an authoritarian combination to re-establish his status as the champion in the bout and ultimately get the stoppage win in the seventh.
Soon after, talks of a rematch hit the headlines, with Wood seemingly destined to land his long-awaited headline scrap at the City Ground, but in recent weeks those expectations have diminished, regardless of the touted date of May 18th originally seeming to all but confirm a second dance between the British rivals.
Speaking to Boxing Scene, Warrington’s manager, Steve Wood, admitted that Warrington was exploring alternate opponents, amid concerns that his fighter could build up a spell of inactivity if a fight is not secured in the near future.
“We’re disappointed that things dragged on for so long, only to be told that the fight at the City Ground isn’t happening,”
“Obviously we’re still open to the fight with Wood – Josh badly wants to set the record straight – but the fight was four months ago now and we need some news quickly. Josh wants to fight, so we’re also currently looking for other opportunities.”
Both Wood and Warrington have had difficulties making the 126lbs limit in the past, and both are expected to make the jump to super-featherweight for their respective next contests.