Leigh Wood anticipating 'hardest fight' of his career against Anthony Cacace

Ex-featherweight champion of the world believes Saturday night's domestic dust-up with former super-featherweight king Anthony Cacace represents the toughest test of his career to date.

The Nottingham fighter returns to action this weekend 18 months on from his emphatic triumph over Josh Warrington, bidding to strengthen his hopes of establishing himself as a two-weight world champion.

The Queensberry star opted to relinquish his 126lbs WBA strap on the back of his victory over the Leeds man in 2023, ending an enthralling two-year run in the featherweight division.

"It’s been a rocky road since my last fight," he told Boxing News this week. "I’ve had a lot of injuries. I’ve tried to get back in the ring but I wouldn’t have been ready in time.

"There’s been a lot of frustration, because people seem to forget about you really quick in boxing. I think people believe I’ve chosen to have this inactivity and I’ve chosen not to fight, but believe me I love fighting and I love boxing; it wasn’t a choice.

"It’s been a frustrating period, especially coming off my biggest career win. Beating my domestic rival in the fashion that I did, it’s been extremely frustrating but I’m so happy to have this fight nailed down, announced and we’re not far out.

I’m pretty sure it’s my hardest fight, but I have that mindset every time I fight; I approach each opponent with the ultimate respect.

- Leigh Wood (Boxing News)

"I just need to nail all of my bits and bobs and my approach to the fight - I know his strengths, but I know mine.

"I’m extremely confident in getting the win over the line but as I’ve said, I’m approaching it as though it’s my hardest fight to date."

The 36-year-old smashed through his perceived glass ceiling during Matchroom's Fight Camp bill at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, producing an almighty upset to dethrone WBA featherweight champion Xu Can in Brentwood, Essex, before stopping Michael Conlan with a devastating last-gasp knockout to make a successful first defence of his title.

Since then, Wood has avenged defeat against Mexican power-puncher Mauricio Lara to become a two-time world champion, whilst he has since followed that up with a seventh round TKO victory over domestic foe, Warrington - a dust-up that ultimately ended his stay in the 126lbs weight class.

He now boasts aspirations of showcasing his credentials at super-featherweight, starting with what he hopes will be a statement win over IBO champion Cacace on Saturday.

"I still have hopes and ambitions, which is why we are stepping up to this division, but first of all I have to take care of a top fighter in Anthony Cacace," he added.

"My prediction is a Leigh Wood win in round nine."

Mark Mothershaw

• Queensberry
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