A huge British name and former world champion has announced that he is no longer under contract with Matchroom Boxing, and has instead opted for the freedom of being a promotional free agent.
Leigh Wood knocked out Josh Warrington in the seventh-round of their domestic duel back in October, despite being down all on three of the judges’ scorecards at the time.
That win saw Wood retain his WBA featherweight title, however, shortly afterwards Wood confirmed that he would vacate the belt, after difficulties making the 126lb weight limit.
As a result, it was expected that Wood would make the jump up to 126lbs and likely rematch Warrington, allowing Wood to finally headline a card at the City Ground, home of his beloved Nottingham Forest Football Club. Yet, it appears as though talks have not progressed, and that the opportunity may well have passed by.
Whilst speaking to Boxing Social, Wood confirmed that he has left Matchroom Boxing, due to a break clause in his contract should they be unable to deliver him a fight at the City Ground, whilst maintaining his confidence of defeating Warrington again.
“For my last fighr, the City Ground kept being promised. Things didn’t work out because of the football season or the opponent or whatever obstacle was in the way.
“In my contract I put in there that no matter what if i win this fight I’m going to the City Ground. If you can’t delifer this for me you have to let me go and try to do different avenues. Matchroom did everyrhing they could do, but there were a few things that happened with the club that didn’t help us.
“I’m a free agent at the moment, I’ve got a good relationship with Matchroom, but whoever I sign with if its not Matchroom, I’d like a plan pencilled in for the City Ground.”
Any possible fight at the City Ground would need to take place after 11th May due to the ongoing Premier League season, but it remains to be seen whether a different promoter will dare to take the reins and stage the fight.