The British rivals from feuding cities are fighting in Nottingham with no title on the line but everything at stake for two aging fighters near career’s end
Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington have been waiting two-and-a-half years to settle their dispute, and the fight promo basically sums up the frustration: both men depicted as elderly pensioners in 2075 still searching for their rematch. The original fight happened in October 2023 in Sheffield when Wood defended his WBA featherweight title against Warrington. Down on the scorecards (58-56, 59-55, 59-55), Wood was heading toward his second loss in three fights. Then Round 7 happened, everything changed, and nothing has been resolved since.
- The British rivals from feuding cities are fighting in Nottingham with no title on the line but everything at stake for two aging fighters near career’s end
- The controversy centers on the finish more than the fight itself
- What makes this rematch genuinely interesting is the context beyond boxing skill
- The stacked undercard reflects British boxing’s current depth
- What’s genuinely compelling about Wood vs. Warrington II is the closure element
The controversy centers on the finish more than the fight itself
With seconds remaining in Round 7, Wood landed a right hand followed by a four-punch combination that sent Warrington to the canvas just as the bell rang. Warrington got up immediately but was clearly shaky on his legs. He walked to his corner, rested on the ropes, and the referee waved off the fight. Wood kept his title. Warrington was furious. For two-and-a-half years, he’s insisted the stoppage came prematurely that he could have continued. Wood disagreed then and presumably disagrees now.
What makes this rematch genuinely interesting is the context beyond boxing skill
Wood is from Nottingham, Warrington is from Leeds. Those cities have a rivalry rooted in their football teams: Nottingham Forest and Leeds United. This isn’t just a boxing beef. This is municipal pride wrapped up in personal animosity. Both fighters have real fan bases, real support, and real reasons to despise each other beyond professional competition.
There’s no world title at stake this time, but the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham sold out well in advance. That’s the kind of demand that happens when genuine bad blood exists. The pride on the line is substantial. This could be Wood’s last fight that even a victory might send him into retirement. Warrington is 35 years old, Wood is 37. Both are toward the end of their careers. The loser could absolutely walk away for good.
The stacked undercard reflects British boxing’s current depth
Former UFC star Molly McCann returns for her third professional boxing match against Beata Dudek. Matchroom’s 19-year-old prospect Tiah-Mai Ayton continues stepping up, facing Catherine Tacone Ramos. Heavyweight Leo Atang, dubbed “the next Anthony Joshua” by promoter Eddie Hearn, fights Dan Garber. Sandy Ryan fights Karla Ramos Zamora for the vacant WBC women’s junior welterweight title in a two-weight championship opportunity.
The co-main event features Ishmael Davis defending his British and Commonwealth junior middleweight titles against Bilal Fawaz. Dave Allen, a fan favorite, returns against Karim Berredjem in a heavyweight clash. This isn’t just a one-fight card. This is a showcase event with multiple compelling narratives running parallel to the main story.
What’s genuinely compelling about Wood vs. Warrington II is the closure element
They’ve been circling each other for years. The promo depicting them still fighting in 2075 is funny because it reflects reality they’ve been talking about this rematch forever. Now it’s finally happening. Either Wood proves the stoppage was correct and he would have won anyway, or Warrington proves he was robbed and gets his moment of redemption.
At their ages, with their career trajectories, this could be the last significant moment for both fighters. That’s what separates a grudge fight from a legitimate business decision. This is personal. This is unfinished. This is about more than belts or rankings.
Saturday in Nottingham, two British boxing rivals finally resolve what’s been festering since October 2023. One of them will get closure. The other will have to accept the finality of defeat.
That’s why this rematch matters.

