Leigh Wood Set For First Defence Of World Title Against Unbeaten Irish Star Michael Conlan
Leigh Wood is hoping to emulate the achievements of fellow Nottingham boxer Carl Froch as he puts his WBA featherweight title on the line
Leigh Wood is hoping to emulate the achievements of fellow Nottingham boxer Carl Froch as he puts his WBA featherweight title on the line for the first time against Belfast's Michael Conlan in Nottingham on Saturday night, live on DAZN.
Wood sensationally stopped Xu Can in the 12th round in July last year to take the title at Matchroom's Fight Camp and comes up against the undefeated Conlan at the Motorpoint Arena.
Having witnessed some of Froch's greatest nights first hand himself, the 33-year-old is eager to impress in front of his home crowd.
"This is fairy-tale sh*t, honestly, of all the arenas for Carl I was sat in the seats screaming, I'm now headlining in the same arena," said Wood.
"This isn't the peak or where I stop, I'm going to go further than this. The City Ground fight that you've dangled in front of me for so long, you [Eddie Hearn] said after this fight it's happening, so I'll hold you to that but eyes on Saturday night first. I'm coming to get the job done and look good doing it."
Wood went into the Can fight will plenty of doubters but was pleased to prove them wrong and the Nottingham man is now keen to prove he's capable of staying at the top of his game against Conlan on Saturday.
"We rocked up at fight camp and people were saying good luck and thank for coming and we were taken back by that. I did the interviews and said I was going to win this fight. They hear that from every fighter, but confidence has never been an issue with me," he added.
"I absolutely have to make the most of this opportunity. I'm buzzing to be here and it's been a long hard road to get here. Back in 2014 [defeat to Gavin McDonnell] was a terrible night but I knew the reasons behind it and I went away and corrected them.
"Both defeats I have suffered I went way afterwards, changed my team, improved as a fighter, stayed disciplined and that's why I am bringing this big night back to Nottingham. I couldn't be happier with my camp for this fight, my team.
"Everything is on point. Like Mick [Conlan] says, I've got the best version of him, and he's got the best version of me. There are no excuses after the fight, the best man will win.
Conlan arrives in Nottingham unbeaten in 18 professional fights, and though he admits it will be a hostile environment for him on Saturday night, he has full confidence that he can make Wood's reign as WBA featherweight champion a shortlived one.
"This is the most relaxed and calm I have ever been in a fight week," said Conlan, who won bronze in the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
"I don't feel any pressure. I'm here in the opponents back garden and I have to rip the belt off him. Everybody is there to see him. I've got fans coming in their thousands so it's nothing new. I'm here to do a job.
"I hope Leigh's had the best training camp, and that he's the best Leigh Wood there has ever been because I believe it will be and it will make it all the sweeter when I beat him."
"I'm ready to go. My confidence comes from my preparations which have been fantastic. I'm very confident and relaxed. We are here in Nottingham and it's time to go. There's not too much more to say other than that I can't wait for Saturday night. I know what kind of performance is coming on Saturday night.
You can watch the Leigh Wood vs Michael Conlan card and many more live and exclusive on DAZN for £7.99, with coverage beginning at 7pm on Saturday night. Head to DAZN.com to find out more.
Featured Image Credit:Thomas Thorn