Wood vs. Warrington II: Redemption and Reckoning in Nottingham

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2 hours ago

February 20, 2026

Wood vs. Warrington II: Redemption and Reckoning in Nottingham

British boxing has always had a particular appetite for domestic rivalries. When two fighters share geography, ambition, and unfinished business, the stakes tend to exceed whatever belts may or may not be involved. Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington have already given the public one violent, memorable evening. The unresolved tension between these two has evolved into a deeply personal and high-stakes sequel. On February 21, 2026, at Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena, they will attempt to settle what, in truth, may not be fully settleable.

Leigh “Leigh-thal” Wood

Born in Nottingham, Wood is a former WBA featherweight titleholder. His professional record stands at 28-4 with 17 KOs. He turned professional in 2011 and rose methodically before capturing the WBA belt in 2021 with a 12th-round stoppage of Xu Can. He later engaged in two dramatic fights with Mauricio Lara, losing by stoppage in their first meeting and regaining the title in the rematch.

The thirty-seven year old Wood’s career has been marked by resolve. On multiple occasions he has been behind on the cards or hurt and in trouble before rallying back. Now, whether that reflects his style or simply timing – that is left up to interpretation.

Josh “The Leeds Warrior” Warrington

The Leeds native is a two-time IBF featherweight champion. Warrington defeated Lee Selby in 2018 to claim his first world title and successfully defended it against Carl Frampton and Kid Galahad. His record entering the second Wood fight is 32-4-1 with 8 KOs. He has built his reputation on work rate, pressure, and stamina. His first loss came in 2021 to Mauricio Lara. Since then, his career has alternated between resurgence and recalibration, including what many considered a shocking defeat to Wood in 2023.

The Rivalry

Their first meeting on October 7, 2023, at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield produced one of the most dramatic turnarounds in recent British boxing memory. Warrington controlled the early rounds, visibly ahead on all three scorecards, yet the fight swung in a heartbeat.

Trailing on points, Wood landed a devastating right hook followed by a series of punches that sent Warrington face-down on the canvas. Although Warrington beat the count, he was unsteady, and referee Michael Alexander waved off the bout at the end of Round 7, giving Wood a technical knockout victory and igniting debate.

Some in Warrington’s camp, including his father, publicly questioned the stoppage and a point deduction earlier in the fight, calling elements of the referee’s decisions controversial.

Wood, for his part, has maintained that the finish was conclusive and that he expects to repeat it.

Both men are now in their mid-30s and featherweight is an unforgiving division for aging legs. The rematch carries implications both for rankings and relevance.

Training Camps and Stakes

Wood has suggested in interviews that this fight could mark the end of his career, depending on the outcome.

Warrington has stated that he has made tactical adjustments and that he will not leave matters to the scorecards.

Both camps have emphasized conditioning, and both fighters are known for durability. Historically, when two durable featherweights with contrasting strengths meet, the bout tends to hinge on moments rather than momentum. Commentators and trainers alike have highlighted the explosive mix of styles (Warrington’s pressure and Wood’s power) which makes this rematch unpredictably compelling.

Both fighters have suggested they expect another knockout finish.

At the weigh-in, Wood came in at 129.8 pounds and Warrington registered 129.7 pounds.

Betting Landscape

Current odds have installed Wood as a slight favorite, largely on the basis of the previous knockout and home advantage.

Moneyline

Leigh Wood: -155
Josh Warrington: +125
Draw: +1400

Outcome

Wood by KO/TKO: +162.5
Warrington by KO/TKO: +500
Decision outcomes: both fighters have decision prices in the +250 to +300 range

The Undercard

Sandy Ryan (8-3-1) vs. Karla Ramos Zamora(12-10-2) — 10 two minute rounds for the vacant WBC junior welterweight title

Ryan is a former WBO super lightweight world champion. She represented Great Britain in the amateurs and turned professional in 2021. Ryan is known for a technically sound style and high ring IQ. She weighed in at 139.25 pounds.

Mexican contender Karla Ramos Zamora has experience at the regional level who primarily campaigned at 140 pounds. This bout represents her first opportunity at a major world title. Zamora weighed in at 139.25 as well.

Ishmael Davis(15-3) vs. Bilal Fawaz(10-1-1) — 12 rounds for the BBB of C British Super Welterweight title and for the Commonwealth Boxing Council Super Welterweight title

Davis has developed domestically with a steady rise through the UK title circuit. Davis weighed in at 153.25 pounds.

Former Australian amateur standout Bilal Fawaz transitioned to the professional ranks after well-publicized immigration challenges in the UK. Fawaz weighed in at 153.5

Dave Allen (24-8-2) vs. Karim Berredjem (12-10) — Heavyweight bout, 6 rounds

Heavyweight Dave Allen is known for his resilience and candor outside the ring. He has shared the ring with contenders including Dillian Whyte and Luis Ortiz. Allen tipped the scales at 271 and Berredjem at 243.5 pounds

Leo Atang (4-0) vs. Dan Garber (11-6) — Heavyweight prospect match, 6 rounds

Atang weighed in at 235.5 pounds and Garber at 225 pounds.

Tiah Mai Ayton (4-0) vs. Catherine Tacone Ramos (9-3-1) — Bantamweight test, 8 two minute rounds

Ayton weighed 122.5 and Ramos 119.5 pounds

Molly McCann (2-0) vs. Beata Dudek (7-8) — 6 two minute rounds at super bantamweight

Molly McCann is a former UFC standout in her third pro boxing bout. McCann weighed 122.5 pounds and Dudek weighed the same.

Joe Howarth (14-2-0, 4 KOs) vs Dan Booth (6-18) – 4 rounds at middleweight

Howard weighed in at 150.5 pounds and Booth at 160.

How and When to Watch