Leigh Wood: Rematch with 'very delusional' Josh Warrington could be my last fight | 'I know exactly what I need to do'
Former world champion Leigh Wood boxes Josh Warrington as the two rivals vie for "bragging rights"; but Wood reveals why he might not box again after Saturday's clash; "No better opponent for the atmosphere," Wood said. "After this, I don't know if there'll be an opponent for that"
Thursday 19 February 2026 17:02, UK
Leigh Wood has revealed he could retire after his next fight, a rematch with Josh Warrington.
Nottingham's Wood has had a long professional career that has encompassed a WBA featherweight world title win.
He has picked up a dramatic knockout victory over Michael Conlan, avenged a defeat to Mauricio Lara and will rematch Warrington on Saturday.
- Claressa Shields is 'way past' a rematch with Savannah Marshall
- Buy tickets for Caroline Dubois vs Terri Harper
- Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW
But he acknowledges he might not box against after this next fight.
"This could be my last one. It could be. I'm not saying it is but it could be. I think it all depends on the landscape," Wood told Sky Sports.
"A few things will determine if I fight again, so we'll see."
Warrington is a well-supported former champion, with a score to settle against Wood.
"No better opponent for the atmosphere," he said. "To do it again, why would I not? This is what I got into boxing for, to have nights like this. After this, I don't know if there'll be an opponent for that."
"It's an unbelievable feeling. You can't bottle it," Wood said of fighting in front of his hometown supporters at Nottingham's Motorpoint Arena.
"I can't put into words how it makes you feel. It definitely gives me another gear, it's probably my superpower."
Wood stopped Warrington in their first fight and has condemned his rival's suggestion that he would otherwise have been on course to winning.
"He's very delusional," Wood said. "I don't think he knows what was going on.
"I don't think he's actually watched the fight back round by round, because if he did he'd realise he wasn't winning the fight that convincingly.
"It's irrelevant anyway because it didn't go the distance and I can't see this one going the distance."
Wood added: "A lot's on the line. Bragging rights… There's going to be a little bit of pressure there but you relieve pressure by doing the right things, the right approach to the fight.
"I know exactly what I need to do and I'm confident of going out there and executing it."
Watch Caroline Dubois vs Terri Harper live on Sky Sports on Sunday April 5. Tickets available here