Leigh Wood’s opportunity to fight WBA featherweight title holder Xu Can came as a surprise to many but the Brit doesn’t just want to be remembered as someone who fought for a world title.
“I’m coming to win. I’m not just coming to fight for a world title,” Wood told Matchroom.
Can v Wood is part of this weekend’s first Fight Camp 2021 inside the promotional powerhouse’s back garden. Wood has snapped up the opportunity thanks in part to staying busy in the gym waiting on such a phone call.
Wood is making a jump from domestic level when he faces the relentlessness of Can on Saturday night. The 32-year-old, trained by Ben Davison and managed by Dave Coldwell, won the British title back in February against Reece Mould. One year earlier Wood pushed upcoming world title challenger Jazza Dickens all the way in the MTK Golden Contract final.
“I’ve proved that I’m way above domestic level and that my power is too much for these kids,” said Wood. “It is a big jump from domestic level to world title level but I’m confident in my ability and I’m confident in my power.”
Wood stopped Mould in impressive fashion when he won the Lonsdale belt, and it marked the first night working with Davison. The stable, which consists of undisputed super-lightweight champion Josh Taylor and European bantamweight champion Lee McGregor, is flying and Wood is banking on the work of Davison to be a significant advantage this weekend.
“Ben doesn’t get it wrong. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him get it wrong. You have to take away a fighter’s best attributes. Can’s best attribute is his volume. I think he’s got the record for the most punches thrown in 12 rounds. We have to take that away from him.
“I’m going to go out there and stick to the game plan, and I believe I’ll get the job done. I’m surprised that him [Can] and his team Golden Boy have specifically asked for me. Be careful what you wish for. They’ve made a mistake picking me.”