Leigh Wood is ready to shine under the spotlight and usher in a new era of big-time boxing in Nottingham.
The supremely talented featherweight puts his Commonwealth title on the line on Friday night with Ryan Doyle intent on reclaiming his old belt.
The fight tops the bill at the Nottingham Arena with the Matchroom show being screened live on Sky Sports as part of their NXT Gen events designed to show stars of the future.
Wood is thrilled to be headlining a show in his home city at an arena which saw Carl Froch enjoy one his most famous triumphs when he destroyed Lucian Bute to claim the IBF super-middleweight title seven years ago.
And Wood, who is now being managed by David Coldwell, is hoping that it will become a regular occurrence.
“I can’t wait and I am ready to go,” he said.
“These are the nights I’ve dreamed of - to be fighting top of the bill at a big arena in my home city.
Leigh Wood wants big fights back in Nottingham after landing Commonwealth title
“I watched Carl Froch do it and I used to look at him and go ‘wow’ and hoped I could do the same.
“I want to bring big fights to Nottingham on a regular basis not just for me, but for all the other boxers in the city and hopefully inspire a new generation.
“We’ve got an English champion in Ekow Essuman and Brad Daws is on the bill tomorrow night. There are more good kids coming through too.
“This is my time in the spotlight and I know I’ve got to get the job done.”
Wood is set to be backed by a huge crowd as he takes on Mancunian Doyle who has 17 wins on his record and three defeats.
Doyle’s most impressive win was undoubtedly stopping Reece Bellotti but his reign as Commonwealth champion was shortlived as he was dethroned by Wood’s close friend Jordan Gill in his next outing.
Wood will be hoping to seal a repeat of that victory and believes his quality will shine through.
“Ryan will come to fight there’s no doubt about it,” he said.
“He wants his old belt back and I am sure he will be at his very best.
“But I believe my movement, my skill and my power will just prove too much for him in the end.
“I know I will have the crowd behind me and while I want to please the crowd, I won’t play to them.
“It’s about being smart, trusting in my ability and making sure I get the job done.”
Bigtime boxing set for Nottingham again as Leigh Wood tipped to headline Sky Sports show
Sky Sports will be televising the show from 7pm with Gill also headling on the undercard as he defends he WBA World Boxing Association International Featherweight title.
For those who will be in attendance, the first fight will be at 4.35pm.
Tickets are still available to purchase. Price B seats cost £68.40, while price C seats are £46.00.
