Leigh Wood's Next Fight: Potential opponent and date

Leigh Wood has set his sights on a dream City Ground homecoming this summer, but will the Nottingham star be granted his wish? Here's everything you need to know about the WBA featherweight title-holder's next fight.

Speculation is rife as to who Leigh Wood will face next after his sensational KO success over Josh Warrington last October.

Wood's title-reign looked to be in tatters as Warrington took full control of the bout before the Nottingham man produced a stunning stoppage in the seventh round to retain hold of his prized title.

Four devastating shots, left, right, left, right, and Warrington was beaten. He got to his feet, but he was gone, leaving the referee with no choice other than to call a halt to the contest.

Rumours had been rife that the pair would get it on again, this time in Wood's own backyard in Nottingham... but talks for the fight, at the City Ground, have ended.

So what does that mean for Wood, and who could be standing in the opposite corner if, and when, he returns to action this summer?

Here's everything you need to know about Leigh Wood's next fight...

Leigh Wood's next fight opponent

Many had expected Wood v Warrington 2 to be announced relatively quickly following their barnstorming first shoot-out last year, but that fight, for now, appears to be dead in the water.

So where does that leave Wood?

Well, there are numerous opportunities seemingly available to the WBA welterweight world champion, including a step-up in weight to super-featherweight.

That could open the door towards a blockbuster domestic scrap with two-time world champion Joe Cordina, or even a bout with the number one ranked super-featherweight Emanuel Naverrete.

Speaking following Wood's stunning stoppage triumph over Warrington last year, promoter Eddie Hearn said a rematch with the Leeds man was his man's priority.

However, after discussions broke down, supposedly due to a suitable date with Nottingham Forest unable to be agreed, it's left Wood, for now, in limbo.

Another option could be a rematch with Michael Conlan, although Wood, you'd expect, will feel he has bigger fish to fry given his current status as world champion.

Leigh Wood's next fight date

Saturday 18th May was the rumoured date for Wood's return, although that was on the provision that Warrington would be his opponent.

But with that fight now looking unlikely, nobody is quite sure as to exactly when the WBA champion will be back in action.

Given the fact that he is edging towards the twilight of his career, Wood will want to remain active, meaning he will surely be fighting by the summer at the very latest.

Hearn has recently revealed that talks are ongoing regarding his fighter's next showdown, and that an announcement could be made relatively soon.

Mark Mothershaw

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