Warrington vs. Wood Rematch
In a much-anticipated rematch, Josh Warrington will once again step into the ring with Leigh Wood on February 21 at the Nottingham Arena. The two fighters, who previously faced off in October 2023, had a somewhat contentious first bout that ended in the seventh round when the referee halted the fight, declaring Wood the winner by technical knockout due to a knockdown.
Warrington’s Determination
Warrington, 35, expressed his eagerness for this rematch, highlighting that discussions about a second fight began almost immediately after their first encounter. He emphasized his determination to prove himself, stating,
“From my perspective, I was frustrated because I thought the second fight would be even bigger than the first one… I was willing to do whatever it took, even if it meant wearing pink shorts and a silly hat to the ring.”
The Sheffield match left lingering questions as Warrington felt he was performing well, leading on the judges’ scorecards when the bout was stopped. He recounted his experience, asserting,
“Leigh caught me with a good shot at the end of the round. I went down, but I felt hard done by when the referee waved the fight off so quickly after I got up. I believe I should have been given more credit for my performance up to that point.”
Leigh Wood’s Response
Leigh Wood, the defending champion at the time of their first clash, has welcomed the rematch in his hometown, despite Warrington’s comments about Wood’s perceived behavior leading up to the fight.
Warrington’s Career Challenges
Warrington has also faced questions about his future in boxing following a tough period, including a loss to Anthony Cacace in 2024 that left many believing he might retire. After a brief hiatus, he returned to the ring and secured a victory against Asad Asif Khan in May 2025.
“I think a lot of people assumed I retired when they saw me leave my gloves in the ring after the Cacace fight. But I reassessed my career, returned to training, and I’m back with a determination to achieve more,”
he explained.
Reflecting on the pressures of the sport, he noted that, unlike athletes in other fields who can recover from a poor performance week by week, boxers carry the weight of their losses much longer. He cited his memorable title defenses against fighters like Lee Selby and Carl Frampton as highlights of his career, while recognizing the uphill battle he faces now with four losses out of his last seven bouts.
Looking Ahead
As he prepares for the rematch with Wood, Warrington’s focus is clear: victory. The upcoming fight will not only serve as a chance for redemption but also a pivotal moment in his boxing journey.
Stay updated with all developments in boxing and watch the upcoming matches live.
