Is that a wrap? Leigh Wood’s stirring career

Leigh Wood does not possess a great jab.

His hand and foot speed are average.

He has power, but it didn’t awe.

What he lacked in talent, he made up for with moxie – plus a never-say-die attitude.

Twenty-some years ago, Wood ventured into a local boxing gym with his mates. His working-class father loved the sweet science, and within weeks, Wood felt the same.   “Eventually, though, everyone just stopped going,” remembered Wood several years ago. “One day I turned up and none of my brother’s mates were going. I just kept on going every week. For me, it was an addiction.”The boxing itself was fun and challenging, and I really enjoyed it; so I kept it up.”

Wood turned professional in 2011. Three years later, he battled Gavin McDonnell for the British bantamweight title. The fight was a thriller, but McDonnell handed Wood his first pro loss. Wood had to wait until 2019 to get a shot at the WBO European title. The wait had been long, but Wood performed well, securing the win by knockout.

A loss to Jazza Dickens soon after was a major setback. In the ninth round, Wood looked out on his feet but battled back to hurt Dickens.

The loss gutted Wood. He considered retirement, but returned in 2022 to stop undefeated Reese Mould and capture the British featherweight title. Wood looked sharp under the tutelage of trainer Ben Davison.

Wood received a surprise title shot in 2021 against undefeated champion Can Xu. Xu was expected to win, but Wood did damage throughout, winning the bout in the last round. The new champion went home to Nottingham to defend his title against the popular Michael Conlon. Wood was a step behind most of the fight.

Conlon couldn’t miss with his left. One of the lefts landed perfectly, flooring Wood. He barely beat the count and looked out on his feet. He made it through the round. As the fight progressed, Wood did better, but Conlon looked to be on his way to taking his title.

Wood was behind on the judges’ scorecards entering the 12th and final round. He needed to make something happen. Past a minute into the round, he backed Conlon into the ropes and unleashed a barrage of blows. Conlon fell through the ropes, unconscious. Wood lost his title to Mauricio Lara but won it back seven months later.

He came from behind again to stop former champion Josh Warrington five months later. It was crazy and stunning. Wood was back in Nottingham to fight streaking Anthony Cacace two weeks ago. The Belfast man had stopped Joe Cordina and defeated Warrington in 2024.

The victories surprised many, but Cacace appears to be a late bloomer. Injuries had kept Wood out of the ring for an extended time. He fought Cacace tooth and nail, rallying until Cacace caught him and unloaded until Wood’s corner tossed in the towel.

“Respect and congratulations to Anto. (Cacace),” said Wood. “No excuses, the better man won. Love to everyone who turned out for me last night, you were unbelievable. Going to have a few weeks to process things and see what’s next.”

Hopefully, Wood calls it a career. He managed to pull himself up several times, ultimately winning a couple of world titles.

His dedication and guts are unquestioned.

Leigh Wood is a fighting man.