Leigh Wood Knocks Out Josh Warrington in Round 7, Holds onto WBA Featherweight Title!
In an exhilarating clash between two outstanding English featherweights, Leigh Wood showcased his unwavering resilience and unyielding determination as he bravely endured a relentless onslaught from Josh Warrington. The highly-anticipated match took place at Sheffield Arena on Saturday, where Leigh Wood successfully defended his WBA belt by stopping the former two-time titleholder at the end of Round 7.
A Battle of Featherweights
Leigh Wood (28-3, 16 KOs), currently ranked as The Ring’s No. 3-rated featherweight, showcased his skill and tenacity throughout the fight. Despite facing a formidable opponent, Wood’s lofty ranking and world title were not in jeopardy for long. After an intense opening four rounds, it became clear that Warrington (31-3-1, 8 KOs), The Ring’s No. 8-rated featherweight, still possessed impressive speed and agility despite his previous loss to Luis Alberto Lopez in December.
Leigh Wood lands a solid punch on Josh Warrington in their intense battle for the WBA Featherweight title
Throughout the match, the 32-year-old veteran from Leeds utilized an effective in-and-out attack strategy that kept Leigh Wood off-balance. Warrington’s swift movements and precise footwork often trapped Leigh Wood against the ropes and left him visibly stunned on several occasions. However, Leigh Wood remained composed and resilient, refusing to back down.
Warrington, while on the move, showed great defensive skills by covering up but unleashed his powerful punches whenever he planted his feet. He strategically targeted Wood’s body, and in Round 4, one of his hooks opened a cut near the titleholder champion’s right eye.
An Exhilarating Battle
This exhilarating bout not only showcased the exceptional skills of both fighters but also highlighted the passion and intensity of the featherweight division. With Wood’s impressive victory, he solidified his position as a top contender in the featherweight rankings. Fans and experts alike eagerly anticipate his future matches and fights as he continues his journey towards greatness.
Josh Warrington outperformed Leigh Wood in their exchanges for a significant portion of their bout
In a stunning display of skill and determination, Leigh Wood, who secured The Ring’s 2022 Fight and Knockout of the Year titles, delivered a remarkable come-from-behind 12th-round knockout of Michael Conlan. Throughout the bout, Leigh Wood showcased unwavering composure and discipline, even when faced with being outworked and occasionally forced against the ropes.
Reflecting on his strategy, Leigh Wood remarked, “I was aware that the longer the fight went on, the more vulnerable he became.” The seasoned 35-year-old tactfully maintained a stiff jab, consistently targeting Warrington’s midsection with precise straight rights. Despite weathering a spirited rally from Warrington in Round 5, Leigh Wood remained poised and seemed ready to capitalize on an opportunity after Warrington was deducted a point for a headbutt in Round 7.
The Decisive Moment
This highly anticipated matchup between British featherweights unfolded as a tactical battle, with both fighters exchanging jabs. It wasn’t until the final 20 seconds of the round when Warrington unleashed a flurry of punches in an attempt to steal it. Sensing an opening, Leigh Wood countered with a powerful left hook that visibly rocked his opponent. Seizing the moment, Leigh Wood followed up with a barrage of hooks and crosses, ultimately flooring Warrington. Although Warrington beat the count, he rose on unsteady legs, prompting the referee to wave off the bout at the 3:00 mark.
Wood’s Victory and Future Plans
Wood’s victory stands as a testament to his exceptional skill and unwavering determination to win, solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with in the boxing world.
Leigh Wood spectacularly finishes his fight against Josh Warrington with a stunning knockdown in Round 7
“Josh is an incredibly resilient individual, a formidable fighter,” Wood commented following the match. “All I can say is, I possess a game-changing ability.” (Wood emphasized this point by shaking his fist.)
Although Warrington was disappointed that the fight was stopped just as the round concluded, he acknowledged feeling slightly out of practice and being caught off guard by an experienced power hitter. “I let my guard down for a moment. He landed a solid punch,” admitted Warrington, expressing gratitude to his devoted fans and suggesting a rematch.
Leigh Wood expressed willingness to entertain the idea of a rematch but pointed out that he has already fought three times in the past eight months—a knockout loss and a decision victory against Mauricio Lara, followed by the bout with Warrington—not an easy schedule by any means.
Considering a potential transition to the junior lightweight division, Leigh Wood is deserving of a well-earned break and recognition beyond the borders of England.
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