The Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham is set to explode with anticipation as Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington prepare to settle their long-standing rivalry in a high-stakes rematch on February 21, 2026. The bout, which has been brewing for over two years, pits two of Britain’s most popular fighters against each other in what many are calling the last roll of the dice for both men. With both athletes now in the twilight of their careers—Wood at 37 and Warrington at 35—the outcome could well dictate their futures in the sport.
The weigh-in on February 20 was a spectacle in itself. Leigh Wood tipped the scales at 129.8 pounds, while Josh Warrington was just a fraction lighter at 129.7 pounds. Both fighters looked sharp, healthy, and ready for battle, cheered on by passionate supporters from their respective cities. The energy in the arena was palpable, with Wood promising, "Quicker, doing it quicker, that's the most important thing. If he comes out quick and comes for me, it's going to end very, very quick, I promise you." The Nottingham native’s words only fueled the fire of an already heated rivalry.
It’s not just the fighters who have history—the cities of Nottingham and Leeds themselves share a fierce competitive spirit, rooted in their footballing backgrounds. Nottingham Forest and Leeds United have clashed for decades, and that same intensity now spills into the boxing ring. Both Wood and Warrington have carried the pride of their cities into this feud, making Saturday’s matchup about more than just personal glory.
Fans haven’t forgotten their first encounter back in October 2023. That night in Sheffield, Wood defended his WBA featherweight title against Warrington in a contest that was as controversial as it was dramatic. Down on the scorecards—58-56, 59-55, and 59-55—Wood looked destined for defeat. But in a stunning turnaround, he landed a right hand and followed up with a four-punch combination in the seventh round, sending Warrington to the canvas as the bell rang. Although Warrington rose to his feet, he was clearly on shaky legs, prompting the referee to wave off the fight. Warrington has maintained ever since that the stoppage was premature, a claim Wood has firmly rejected.
"Retirement scares me, where do you start?" Warrington admitted in the build-up to the rematch, reflecting the gravity of what’s at stake. For both men, this fight represents a crossroads. There’s no title on the line this time, but pride and legacy hang in the balance. Both fighters are two-time featherweight champions who have moved up to junior lightweight, looking for one last shot at redemption. The Motorpoint Arena sold out well in advance, a testament to the magnitude of the occasion and the devotion of their fan bases.
Wood has gone so far as to suggest that even a victory might signal the end of his career. "Josh Warrington grudge fight could be my last," he told ESPN, underscoring the sense of finality that surrounds the event. The loser, meanwhile, could be facing retirement, making this not just a battle for bragging rights, but potentially a farewell to the sport for one of British boxing’s most recognizable figures.
The undercard for Saturday’s event is nothing short of stacked, promising fireworks from the opening bell. Ishmael Davis will defend his British and Commonwealth junior middleweight titles against Bilal Fawaz in the co-main event, a matchup that has drawn significant attention. Heavyweight fan-favorite Dave Allen returns to the ring, eager to bounce back from his defeat to Arslanbek Makhmudov. Allen faces Karim Berredjem in what many expect to be a bruising encounter.
Women’s boxing also takes center stage, with Sandy Ryan aiming to become a two-weight world champion. Having moved down from welterweight, Ryan will challenge Karla Ramos Zamora for the vacant WBC junior welterweight title. The stakes are high, and Ryan’s ambition to etch her name in the record books has added another layer of intrigue to the night.
Former UFC star Molly McCann continues her transition to professional boxing, looking to extend her unbeaten streak to three fights as she faces Beata Dudek over six rounds. McCann’s crossover appeal has brought new fans to the sport, and her relentless style has made her a must-watch on any card.
Rising stars will also get their chance to shine. Matchroom’s 19-year-old prospect Tiah-Mai Ayton steps up against Catherine Tacone Ramos in the women’s bantamweight division, while heavyweight Leo Atang—hailed by promoter Eddie Hearn as "the next Anthony Joshua"—takes on Dan Garber in a six-round bout. The mix of established names and emerging talent ensures there’s something for every boxing fan on this blockbuster night.
The main event, however, remains the focal point. Both Wood and Warrington have predicted that the fight won’t go the distance, and with their careers on the line, neither man is expected to hold back. The build-up has been marked by mutual respect laced with genuine animosity, and the atmosphere in Nottingham is set to reach fever pitch when the two finally step into the ring.
For those wondering about the future, the outcome of this fight could reshape the British boxing landscape. If Wood wins and retires, he’ll leave as a two-time featherweight champion who conquered his greatest rival twice. If Warrington pulls off the upset, it could breathe new life into his career—or provide the perfect note on which to bow out. Either way, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
As the crowd files into the sold-out Motorpoint Arena and the undercard bouts set the stage, all eyes will soon turn to the main event. The rivalry between Nottingham and Leeds, the unfinished business from their first fight, and the looming question of retirement for both fighters have combined to make this one of the most anticipated rematches in recent British boxing history.
With both men vowing to end it inside the distance, fans can expect fireworks from the opening bell. Whether it’s a quick finish as Wood has promised, or a drawn-out war of attrition, Saturday night in Nottingham is poised to deliver drama, emotion, and perhaps a fitting farewell for one of these proud warriors. For now, the boxing world waits, breath held, as two legends prepare to write the next—and possibly final—chapter of their storied rivalry.