Unbeaten Olympian Michael Conlan (16-0, 8 KOs) is a -160 favorite to dethrone WBA featherweight champion Leigh Wood (25-2, 15 KOs) in Saturday’s world title showdown at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham, England, live worldwide on DAZN. But local hero Wood isn’t fazed at being the underdog in his hometown.
“I’ve earned everything off my own back the hard way,” said Wood. “In my opinion, I don’t think Mick’s ever been in a 50/50 fight, this is new for him, but I’ve come through those challenges. I’ve been in the bookies not favorite and come out the other side from a pressure point of view…I’ve been there before, in fights in my career, in my life. I’ve not had a promoter, anyone steering me in the right direction, I’ve not had my dad taking me to the gym from a young age. I walked in the gym on own at 10, 11 years old and it takes a lot to do that, to get to this point on my own. I’ve got here on my own with pure determination and grit, resilience and refusal to give up and that’s what it’s going to take to come through this fight and that’s what I do.”
I suspect that lack of a ‘silver spoon’ and Olympic experience etc may be Wood’s undoing, but I hope I’m wrong about that. Would be great to see him do a number on Conlan.
This guy Wood is alright, Ill be hoping he gets the win for another pay day but if not so be it.
Im still fked off this wont be shown in Australia, DANZ are dogs some times.
Wood in 12!
Hope you’re right Roy, sometimes an underdog win is good for the sport..
I’m rooting for Wood. I don’t know how wasy Conlan has had it in life. Maybe Conlan had it rough too. But as a pro Conlan has recieved alot more hype than his ability merits. He’s ok. Reminds of Wayne McCullough who also recieved a lot of hype and HBO main events.
I was happy when Wood beat Can Xu and now Im hoping he can beat Conlan.