New-look Leigh Wood embracing acid test of Anthony Cacace

Leigh Wood is relishing the prospect of his career reinvention being tested by Anthony Cacace on May 10.

The former WBA featherweight champion moves up to junior lightweight at the Nottingham Arena and will be fighting for the first time under his new promoter, Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions.

Ireland’s Cacace, 36, won the IBF title when a year earlier he stopped Joe Cordina. He then defeated Josh Warrington – among Wood’s previous victims – in what is expected to prove Warrington’s final fight.

Wood-Cacace has the potential to prove transformative for the winner’s career, but in his home city of Nottingham, England, Wood, inactive since his victory over Warrington in October 2023 owing to the uncertainty surrounding his future that followed his departure from Matchroom, plans to continue to rebuild.

“New challenge,” the 36 year old said. “New promotional team. It’s all new. It’s all exciting. I’m really looking forward to having that few extra pound and not killing myself to make the weight as much. Anthony’s a great fighter. I’m not looking past him. As always, I’m expecting my hardest fight to date. You’re guaranteed fireworks on May 10. I’m not going to lose. To get to this level your mindset’s different. You’re coming to win. Nothing personal, but I’m coming to win.”

It was dramatic stoppages of Michael Conlan and Warrington that did so much to build his reputation as heavy-handed, but Wood said: “There’s so much more to boxing than being able to whack. Which I can whack – it’s in my back pocket. But there’s so much more to boxing – timing, and how to go about it. That’s down to my team. That’s my ace of spades – my team, and how we approach it. The direction and the way I win this fight is down to them, and that’s my superpower.”

Wood’s commitment to his long-term training team of Ben Davison and Barry Smith is perhaps the only way in which his career hasn’t changed since he last fought.

When Wood defeated Warrington, Cacace remained peripheral. The unexpected victory over Cordina has given Cacace relevance he previously lacked.

“It’s another massive fight,” Cacace said. “It’s another two-time world champion who’s proven himself on the world stage. Leigh’s a great fighter. He’s got power in both hands. This has got the recipe for fight of the year. I fully respect Leigh; his power. But I’m ready, and coming.

“It’s going to be a great night. I’m buzzing for it. I’m gonna get a bit of abuse [from Wood’s fans] – who cares? Do you know what I mean? That’s what it’s about. I respect Leigh. I respect his team. He’s got Ben. He’s got Barry. What a team. He’s got everything around him. But I believe that I can do this job, and I know he’s confident in it – but we’re just gonna have to wait to see.”

Warren started the week by announcing a heavyweight bill led by Dillian Whyte-Joe Joyce on April 5, and finished it by launching Wood-Cacace. Both promotions are among the first of his new broadcast agreement with DAZN, which will follow his departure from TNT Sports.

“It’s a brilliant night and it’s a brilliant fight,” the promoter said. “These are the type of fights fans come out for in their droves. Dream fights. Anthony’s done everything that’s been asked of him last year. He’s been with me now for five years. I remember watching him in them early days thinking what a good fighter he was, and I just couldn’t understand why he kept pulling out a few times of fights, and I know now what it was.

“He wasn’t putting the work and dedication in that he should have been. He’s done that now, and when you have a look at that great win he had against Joe Cordina, and also against Josh Warrington – former world champions – he’s shown what he’s all about; that brilliant talent that he’s got, and he deserves to be here. All these things is because of the commitment he’s giving to the sport, so this is a fantastic time for him.

“Leigh Wood’s a two-time champion. Look at these guys – what they’ve done between them. Leigh’s got a tremendous following; same as Anthony. The atmosphere’s going to be fabulous. It’ll be a sellout, and it’s a pleasure to be involved with this.”