Leigh Wood officially vacates WBA featherweight strap, is heading to 130lb's

No doubt more dramatic nights await for the Sheriff of Nottingham, but his time at featherweight has come to an end

It’s something that has been mooted for a while, however according to Dan Rafael via twitter, Leigh Wood has now formally vacated his WBA featherweight belt and will be taking his powers up to 130lb’s.

It has been no secret within the industry that the Nottingham banger hasn’t found it easy to boil down to the 126lb limit, with many attesting his flat showing last time out against Josh Warrington to his struggles at the weight.

It has been a sensational run over the past two years for a man who was once considered no more than a solid domestic level fighter. Under the tutelage of Ben Davidson, ‘Leigh-thal' has improved dramatically, with his reign beginning via an upset stoppage victory over the then champion and all action Can Xu.

This was followed by a come from behind KO victory and fight of the year against Michael Conlan, before hitting a huge speed bump when taking possibly the riskiest fight in the division, going up against the dynamite fisted Mauricio Lara. Despite being up on points, the worst possible scenario came to fruition, with Wood being laid out with a single left hook in round seven. Despite this setback, testament to his character, the Nottingham fan favourite jumped straight back in with the Mexican bogeyman, exacting revenge in the form of a methodical and uncharacteristically careful wide decision win.

Last time out, we were granted one final instalment of the epic drama that has been Leigh Wood’s WBA title reign, pulling out another sensational come from behind victory over Leeds hero Josh Warrington, in a fight where in all honesty at times he looked completely out of ideas.

It appears he has reflected on his latest performance and realised he may have clutched victory from the jaws of defeat at featherweight for one last time.

This decision does make sense when looking at the landscape of the 126lb division. IBF ruler Luis Alberto Lopez may well be the best of the bunch, whilst Cuban slickster and WBC champion Robeisy Ramirez looks like he would be a stylistic nightmare for Wood, as well as likely not bringing much to the table from a commercial standpoint.

Up at Super featherweight, don’t be surprised to see a rematch with Josh Warrington still take place, whilst a huge UK clash with fellow Matchroom fighter, the Welsh Wizard Joe Cordina also being an option that would give Leigh Wood another big pay day, which at this stage of his career is likely the main focus.

Whatever the next move, the UK boxing fanbase will all be tuning in to witness what will no doubt be another drama filled encounter for one of the most entertaining fighters we currently possess.

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