Super-featherweight prospect threatens to ‘kill’ Leigh Wood
Leigh Wood has established himself as a fan-favorite and a deserving featherweight world champion, showcasing some of the UK's most thrilling fight nights. As he prepares to move up to super-featherweight, a rising star has made ominous threats against the Nottingham-born fighter.
Initially seen as a contender stuck at the British and European levels, Wood’s impressive victories over Reece Mould and Xu Can propelled him to the position of WBA (Regular) champion, setting the stage for a bout with Leo Santa Cruz. However, the real hurdle was Ireland’s Michael Conlan. In March 2022, the two faced off in an unforgettable fight that earned the Ring Magazine Fight of the Year award, culminating in a dramatic final-round knockout for Wood despite being behind on the scorecards.
Wood's elevation to full champion came after Santa Cruz struggled to meet the weight limit. He controversially opted for a voluntary defense against the dangerous Mauricio Lara, known for his knockout of Josh Warrington. Unfortunately, Wood suffered a significant knockout defeat in that match but reclaimed his title in a rematch just three months later. Most recently, he demonstrated his resilience again with a knockout win over Josh Warrington, only to vacate his title later that month.
Now set to jump to 130 lbs, Wood aims to become a two-weight world champion. However, 22-year-old rising star Jadier Herrera (15-0), a recent signing with Queensberry Promotions, has issued a chilling challenge to Wood. Speaking to iFL TV, Herrera said, "I am ready for Leigh Wood. Send me a contract, bro, I will fing kill you. I will fing destroy your life, bro. Remember my f***ing name."
After previously fighting in Dubai, Herrera is looking to make a statement in Liverpool on the undercard of the Nick Ball vs. Ronny Rios fight. Currently ranked #15 by the WBC, he hopes to climb higher with a win against Oliver Flores (31-5-2) this Saturday.
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