Event Preview:
The highly anticipated rematch between British featherweight rivals Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington headlines a sold-out Matchroom Boxing card, dubbed “Last Man Standing.” This 12-round super featherweight bout comes over two years after their controversial first encounter, with both fighters looking to settle the score in what could be a career-defining clash for the aging warriors. Wood aims to repeat his dramatic comeback victory, while Warrington seeks revenge for what he views as a premature stoppage. Below is a full breakdown, drawing on the latest updates and analysis.
Venue Location
The event is set at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham, United Kingdom. This 10,000-capacity venue, formerly known as the Nottingham Arena, is a staple for British boxing and provides Wood with a hometown advantage, having hosted several of his key fights. The atmosphere is expected to be electric, with fans from Nottingham Forest (Wood’s club) and Leeds United (Warrington’s) adding to the rivalry’s intensity.
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The arena’s central location in Nottingham bolsters accessibility for UK fans, and it’s completely sold out for this domestic grudge match.
The main card begins at 7:00 PM GMT (2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT), with undercard action starting earlier. Ring walks for the main event are anticipated around 10:00 PM GMT (5:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM PT), though this could shift based on earlier bouts.
The card will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN, with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing promoting the event.
Injury Report
No significant injuries have been reported for either fighter as fight week begins. Leigh Wood, at 37, has dealt with inactivity and a stoppage loss in his last outing but appears fully recovered and confident, outlining his “plan of attack” without mentioning setbacks.
Josh Warrington, 35, has overcome past frustrations including a broken jaw in earlier fights and a brief retirement consideration after his 2024 loss to Cacace, but he’s stayed active and reports no issues.
Warrington’s father recently had a health scare in Dubai, but it hasn’t impacted the fighter’s preparation.
Both passed pre-fight medicals, and with the bout just days away, they’re cleared to compete. Age and wear from high-level wars remain factors, but no last-minute pulls are anticipated.
Fighter Matchups
This rematch pits two former world champions in a super featherweight grudge fight, blending Wood’s knockout power with Warrington’s relentless pressure and volume. Wood, a 5’11” orthodox fighter from Nottingham, weighs around 130 lbs and uses his height (reach: 70″) for sharp counterpunching and body work. Trained by Ben Davison, he’s known for dramatic comebacks and fights under the Matchroom banner.
Warrington, a 5’7″ orthodox pressure fighter from Leeds, also around 130 lbs (reach: 67″), relies on high output and durability to wear down opponents. He’s a two-time IBF featherweight champ with a fan-friendly style but lower KO power.
The stylistic clash favors Wood if he keeps distance, but Warrington’s aggression could force a war. Scheduled for 12 rounds, it’s unlikely to go the distance given their history.
| Fighter | Record | Age | Height/Reach | Stance | Key Strengths | Key Weaknesses |
| Leigh Wood | 28-4-0 (17 KOs) | 37 | 5’11” / 70″ | Orthodox | Knockout power, comeback ability, counterpunching | Inactivity, vulnerable to pressure in later rounds |
| Josh Warrington | 32-4-1 (8 KOs) | 35 | 5’7″ / 67″ | Orthodox | High volume, durability, relentless pace | Low KO rate, susceptible to power shots, recent stoppage losses |
Recent Form
- Leigh Wood: Wood’s form has been mixed, with a 3-2 record in his last five fights. His most recent bout was a TKO9 loss to Anthony Cacace on May 10, 2025, where he was stopped after a competitive start, marking his second defeat in three outings.
Prior, he dramatically TKO’d Warrington in Round 7 on October 7, 2023, after trailing on cards. Wins over Mauricio Lara (UD12, May 2023) and Michael Conlan (TKO12, 2022) highlight his resilience, but a TKO7 loss to Lara in February 2023 shows vulnerability. Wood has been inactive since mid-2025 but looks motivated for this rematch.
- Josh Warrington: Warrington is 2-3 in his last five, showing signs of decline but still competitive. He won a UD10 over Asad Asif Khan on April 19, 2025, a tune-up after a TKO2 loss to Cacace in September 2024.
The TKO7 defeat to Wood in 2023 was controversial, followed by a TKO7 loss to Kiko Martinez (2022) and a TD2 draw with Mauricio Lara (2021). Warrington briefly retired post-Cacace but feels “resurrected,” emphasizing smarter tactics this time.
Fight History
Wood turned pro in 2011 after a brief amateur stint, rising through domestic ranks to win the WBA featherweight title in 2021 via TKO12 over Can Xu. He’s defended it multiple times, including avenging a loss to Lara, but vacated after the Warrington win amid weight issues.
Warrington debuted in 2009, capturing the IBF featherweight belt twice (2018-2021, 2022) with notable wins over Lee Selby (SD12) and Carl Frampton (UD12).
Their October 2023 clash saw Warrington lead on cards (59-55 x2, 58-56) before Wood’s Round 7 flurry led to a TKO, with Warrington protesting the stoppage. Bad blood has simmered since, with verbal jabs and failed negotiations delaying the rematch until now.
FIGHT ODDS
Leigh Wood – 170
Josh Warrington + 150
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, February 20, 2026
