Big-time boxing returns to Nottingham this weekend as Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington look to finally settle their fierce rivalry.
Wood (28-4, 17 KOs) got the better of Warrington (32-4-1, 8 KOs) in their first clash back in late 2023 with a dramatic stoppage.
‘The Leeds Warrior’ appeared to be cruising throughout the early rounds before being caught in the seventh by a right-left combination, which the 37-year-old followed up on to close the contest in style.
Saturday night marks a crossroads fight for both men in the latter stages of their careers.
The pair are coming off defeats to Anthony Cacace, with Warrington reaching the final bell and Wood stopped in the ninth round.
Warrington has fought just once since his loss to ‘The Apache’, outclassing Asad Asif Khan over 10 rounds.
Wood is the home fighter on Saturday as the rematch lands at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham.
It will be the sixth time ‘Leigh-thal’ has boxed at his home city arena and he will look to put on a show.
Warrington will have to stay switched on throughout after learning first-hand that Wood can turn a fight around at any point.
Wood beat Michael Conlan in similar dramatic fashion in 2022, stopping the Irishman in the 12th round.
Prediction: Warrington may be up on the cards early, but Wood could catch him in the later rounds and secure another dramatic win.
Bilal Fawaz vs Ishmael Davis
In the co-main event, Bilal Fawaz (10-1-1, 3 KOs) will look to continue his fairytale run following his most recent outing.
On the undercard of Dave Allen vs Arslanbek Makhmudov, Fawaz got the better of highly-rated prospect Junaid Bostan in their rematch.
Fawaz takes on Ishmael Davis (15-3, 6 KOs) for the British and Commonwealth super welterweight titles in what could prove a turning point in the winner’s career.
‘The Black Panther’ has proven he belongs at the highest level of the domestic scene with strong performances against names such as Caoimhin Agyarko, Sam Gilley and Troy Williamson.
Two of Davis’ losses came against some of the sport’s most technically sound fighters, dropping a points decision to Josh Kelly and suffering a stoppage defeat to Serhii Bohachuk on short notice.
Prediction: Fawaz’s amateur pedigree should make the difference after he rides out early pressure.
Sandy Ryan vs Karla Ramos Zamora
Former WBO welterweight world champion Sandy Ryan (8-3-1, 3 KOs) returns to action and looks to become a two-time world champion.
Ryan fought to unify the belts in 2023, drawing with Jessica McCaskill for the IBO, WBC and WBO welterweight titles.
She was beaten last year by Mikaela Mayer in Las Vegas over 10 rounds.
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Ryan takes on Karla Ramos Zamora (12-10-2, 4 KOs) for the vacant WBC super lightweight crown.
Prediction: Ryan should have enough to outbox Zamora and reclaim world honours.
Remaining Undercard
Amateur starlet Tiah Mai Ayton (4-0, 4 KOs) is set to compete in her second eight-round fight as a professional.
Ayton is yet to hear the final bell, with all four of her wins ending before the fourth round.
She should have enough to stop Catherine Tacone Ramos (9-3-1, 2 KOs) in the latter stages.
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Former UFC champion-turned-boxer Molly McCann (2-0, 1 KO) makes her third appearance in the squared circle against Beata Dudek (7-8, 4 KOs).
Her power could see her secure a second career stoppage in Nottingham.
Blue-chip prospect Leo Atang (4-0, 4 KOs) has been flawless since his debut last summer.
He takes on Dan Garber (11-6, 2 KOs), who has previously shared the ring with Viddal Riley and Hughie Fury.
Atang should pick up another decisive victory but may be extended a few rounds by the more experienced operator.
Fan favourite David Allen (24-8-2, 19 KOs) returns following his loss to Arslanbek Makhmudov.
He faces Frenchman Karim Berredjem (12-10, 3 KOs) and should produce a knockout win in what looks a routine assignment.
