New-look Leigh Wood embracing acid test of Anthony Cacace

Leigh Wooden is relishing the prospect of his profession reinvention being examined by Anthony Cacace on Might 10.

The previous WBA featherweight champion strikes as much as junior light-weight on the Nottingham Area and will probably be combating for the primary time underneath his new promoter, Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions.

Eire’s Cacace, 36, gained the IBF title when a yr earlier he stopped Joe Cordina. He then defeated Josh Warrington – amongst Wooden’s earlier victims – in what is anticipated to show Warrington’s ultimate struggle.

Wooden-Cacace has the potential to show transformative for the winner’s profession, however in his house metropolis of Nottingham, England, Wooden, inactive since his victory over Warrington in October 2023 owing to the uncertainty surrounding his future that adopted his departure from Matchroom, plans to proceed to rebuild.

“New problem,” the 36 yr previous mentioned. “New promotional group. It’s all new. It’s all thrilling. I’m actually trying ahead to having that few additional pound and never killing myself to make the load as a lot. Anthony’s an incredible fighter. I’m not trying previous him. As at all times, I’m anticipating my hardest struggle thus far. You’re assured fireworks on Might 10. I’m not going to lose. To get to this stage your mindset’s totally different. You’re coming to win. Nothing private, however I’m coming to win.”

It was dramatic stoppages of Michael Conlan and Warrington that did a lot to construct his status as heavy-handed, however Wooden mentioned: “There’s a lot extra to boxing than with the ability to whack. Which I can whack – it’s in my again pocket. However there’s a lot extra to boxing – timing, and tips on how to go about it. That’s all the way down to my group. That’s my ace of spades – my group, and the way we method it. The course and the best way I win this struggle is all the way down to them, and that’s my superpower.”

Wooden’s dedication to his long-term coaching group of Ben Davison and Barry Smith is maybe the one approach by which his profession hasn’t modified since he final fought.

When Wooden defeated Warrington, Cacace remained peripheral. The sudden victory over Cordina has given Cacace relevance he beforehand lacked.

“It’s one other huge struggle,” Cacace mentioned. “It’s one other two-time world champion who’s confirmed himself on the world stage. Leigh’s an incredible fighter. He’s bought energy in each palms. This has bought the recipe for struggle of the yr. I totally respect Leigh; his energy. However I’m prepared, and coming.

“It’s going to be an incredible night time. I’m buzzing for it. I’m gonna get a little bit of abuse [from Wood’s fans] – who cares? Are you aware what I imply? That’s what it’s about. I respect Leigh. I respect his group. He’s bought Ben. He’s bought Barry. What a group. He’s bought the whole lot round him. However I imagine that I can do that job, and I do know he’s assured in it – however we’re simply gonna have to attend to see.”

Warren began the week by saying a heavyweight invoice led by Dillian Whyte-Joe Joyce on April 5, and completed it by launching Wooden-Cacace. Each promotions are among the many first of his new broadcast settlement with DAZN, which is able to observe his departure from TNT Sports activities. 

“It’s an excellent night time and it’s an excellent struggle,” the promoter mentioned. “These are the kind of fights followers come out for of their droves. Dream fights. Anthony’s accomplished the whole lot that’s been requested of him final yr. He’s been with me now for 5 years. I bear in mind watching him in them early days pondering what a great fighter he was, and I simply couldn’t perceive why he stored pulling out just a few instances of fights, and I do know now what it was. 

“He wasn’t placing the work and dedication in that he ought to have been. He’s accomplished that now, and while you take a look at that nice win he had towards Joe Cordina, and likewise towards Josh Warrington – former world champions – he’s proven what he’s all about; that good expertise that he’s bought, and he deserves to be right here. All these items is due to the dedication he’s giving to the game, so this can be a incredible time for him. 

“Leigh Wooden’s a two-time champion. Take a look at these guys – what they’ve accomplished between them. Leigh’s bought an amazing following; similar as Anthony. The environment’s going to be fabulous. It’ll be a sellout, and it’s a pleasure to be concerned with this.”