‘Leighthal’ Leigh Wood is to challenge for a British featherweight strap in early 2021.
A dream come true for Nottingham’s featherweight boxer, ‘Leighthal’ Leigh Wood, 23-2(13) as his manager, the esteemed Dave Coldwell, announced on social media that the 32-year-old will, early next year, be challenging for the British featherweight strap, against Doncaster’s undefeated fighter, 26-year-old Reece Mould, 13-0(6).
Leigh, who made his professional debut back in late 2011, a PTS4 success over Chuck Evans at the Clifton Leisure Centre. Has gone on to become the Midlands Area, Commonwealth and WBO European featherweight champion, as well as having challenged for the British title at Super Bantamweight back in 2014 (TKO6 vs. Gavin McDonnell).
That reverse to McDonnell (now a 22-2-2; 6, former WBA and WBC world title challenger) is one of just two losses on the Gedling fighters record, the other being in his last outing, in February this year, when he dropped a majority decision to James ‘Jazza’ Dickens, 28-3(11), at the famous York Hall in the final of the Golden Contract.
In taking to social media on Thursday (12 November) night, Wood’s manager, Dave Coldwell said: “Delighted to have Wood challenge for the British Title on an Eddie Hearn Matchroom Boxing show!”
“It’s a dream of Leigh’s to become British champion and now he has the opportunity.”
Whilst the official boxing account for Leigh Wood, @Team_Leighthal, added: “Brilliant news that @itsLeighWood & Reece Mould will both challenge for the British title on a @EddieHearn @MatchroomBoxing card #Leighthal”
As for Leigh himself, he said: “I’ve wanted to win the British title since I was 10/11-years-old.”
“That’s why I turned professional (in 2011) instead of going to the Olympics. I’ve already started back training as the fight is what, eleven weeks out come Saturday (14 November) so I’m in Sheffield during the week and back home (in Nottingham) on a weekend.”
Trained by Ian Grant at the Elite Boxing Club in Sheffield, Wood’s nine-year, twenty-five fight pro record will stand him in good stead for the challenge that lies ahead, although his opponent has a decent record to speak of himself as well.
Hailing from Doncaster, Yorkshire, Reece Mould, with youth on his side, brings an unbeaten, thirteen-fight ledger to the ring, and with it is also the current, English featherweight champion having stopped Sean Davis (TKO4, Doncaster Racecourse), in June last year. Mould’s last offering was a PTS6 success over Bayardo Ramos later in the year.
With exclusive updates to come regarding Leigh Wood vs. Reece Mould for the British featherweight title, stay tuned to both the Nottingham Sport, and Leigh’s socials, Facebook and Twitter for regular updates.
*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).
*Main image @itsLeighWood Wood missed out on a golden contract where he reached the final.
