Doncaster’s unbeaten Reece Mould says he is approaching his vacant British featherweight title clash against Nottingham’s seasoned Leigh Wood with no pressure on his shoulders.
Mould and Wood contest the vacant British crown in an intriguing battle on the Josh Warrington-Mauricio Lara undercard on February 13, with many insiders believing it will steal the show on fight night.
Coached by Warrington’s father and trainer Sean O’Hagan, Mould (13-0, 6 KOs) has flown a bit under the radar of most fight fans, but is confidently predicting a breakout victory that will signal the end of Wood’s career at title level.
“I don’t think [Wood] shows me any respect whatsoever,” said Mould, 26. “I’m sure on February 13 I’ll get his respect. He’s a good fighter. You can’t take that away from him. You can’t take away what he’s done, but I believe I beat him at whatever he brings – whether it’s boxing or fighting. If he wants to stand in there and go toe-to-toe with me I’m willing to do that.
“It’s just how he talks about me, saying my opportunity has come too soon. I watched an interview with him saying it shouldn’t be me who’s mandatory, it should have been one of them who were fighting in the Golden Contract. I don’t care what he’s got to say, I’ll do whatever I need to do on February 13 and beat him.
“This is going to be my breakout fight. That’s what we’re looking to do. You could say that I’ve boxed under the radar even though I have been on a few Matchroom shows before. I’ve never had that pressure of Sky Sports on my back like a lot of these young fighters have. This fight is going to really put my name out there.
“All of the pressure is on Leigh Wood. He’s known and I’m not really known. I believe if I beat him it will be the end of his career and he knows that deep down. When I beat him it’s the end of the road for him. I’ve got no pressure on my shoulders whatsoever.”
Main image: Matchroom Boxing.