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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Sport
Gareth Fullerton

Michael Conlan vs Leigh Wood rematch 'still a big attraction'

Jamie Conlan believes a rematch between brother Michael and former world champion Leigh Wood remains "a big attraction".

Wood lost his WBA featherweight crown earlier this month when he was stopped by Mauricio Lara.

Lara detonated a massive left hook in the seventh round, with Wood's coach Ben Davison throwing in the towel despite his man climbing off the canvas.

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Wood and Conlan met in a fight of the year last March, with the Nottingham man producing a last-round knockout to end Conlan's own world title dream.

There had been hopes of a rematch which failed to materialise, with Wood opting to defend his title against Lara, and Conlan now eyeing up a massive clash with reigning IBF champion Luis Alberto Lopez in Belfast this May.

But Jamie believes a second fight between the pair could still happen.

He told Belfast Live: "I think the Wood rematch is there no matter what. The first fight was incredible and fans would love to see more of the same.

"It is still a big fight. It remains a big attraction in the division.

"Previously Wood wouldn't fight Michael if Michael didn't have a world title. So I don't know what his thoughts are on that now."

Jamie added: "I was very impressed by Wood and what he did (against Lara). He highlighted some glaring holes in Lara, but those holes were always there.

"Lara has never been a polished article or had great fundamentals. If you stick to your boxing you have chance.

"But again, Lara has the great equaliser that any boxer would love, and that's power in both hands. He can end the fight whenever he wants.

"It was crushing in the end.

"Leigh has taken a lot of punishment in his last two fights, and people forget he went through a lot against Michael. People were focusing on Michael afterwards, but they should have alsa been checking in on Leigh because he went through hell.

I think it was a good stoppage against Lara, because Wood could have suffered more damage."

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