The WBA has ordered featherweight world champion, Leo Santa Cruz, to defend his title against Leigh Wood.
This announcement by the WBA comes 25 days after Leigh Wood dramatically knocked out Michael Conlan in the 12th round. Wood was behind on the scorecards and needed a knockout to defend his WBA ‘Regular’ world title successfully. The bout took place at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham and provided us with a fight of the year contender.
Leo Santa Cruz Vs Leigh Wood
Leigh Wood, who owns the WBA ‘Regular’ belt, will certainly be looking to elevate his regular title to the full title. Leo Santa Cruz holds the full WBA featherweight world title. In over three years, the Mexican hasn’t defended his featherweight world crown, with many believing he should vacate the title.
In their announcement, the WBA said:
“The goal is to have only one champion at 126 pounds and the winner of this bout will keep this distinction. Santa Cruz is the super champion of the category.”
“The Mexican must now face Leigh Wood, who comes from defending his championship against Michael Conlan last March 12, in Nottingham.”
Leo Santa Cruz vs Leigh Wood could be a potential super-fight in Las Vegas or the City Ground in Nottingham. Either of the two would be fulfilling Leigh Wood’s career dreams, and he expressed on Twitter that he is ready for the fight:
Both teams now have 30 days from the announcement date to negotiate and agree on a deal. If a deal can not be reached within 30 days, the WBA committee will open the bout to pursue bids.
Leigh Wood’s win would undoubtedly set up a huge domestic unification match with IBF featherweight world champion Josh Warrington.
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Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
