WBA Extends Deadline To Negotiate Plans For Leigh Wood Vs. Michael Conlan

By Fight Sports Oct 1, 2021

WBA president Gilberto Jesus Mendoza has allowed teams of WBA “World” featherweight Leigh Wood and challenger Michael Conlan to have more time to finalize a deal for the title fight.

The WBA had earlier asked representatives of both boxers to reach an agreement before September 27, but they had asked for more time to ascertain date and location for the match-up. If they fail to come to terms for the fight, the WBA will order a purse bid.

The winning bid will grant Wood 55% of the share and the No. 1 title contender will settle for $45%.
The champ is represented by Matchroom Boxing whereas Conlan is backed by Conlan Boxing, which is owned by his elder brother Jamie.

Wood won the featherweight title when he stopped China’s Xu Can in the 12th round. The fight was held on July 31 at the outdoor makeshift venue on the property of Matchroom Boxing headquarters in Brentwood, Essex.

Six days after Wood became the champ, Conlan claimed the interim belt by beating former WBA junior featherweight titlist TJ Doheny via unanimous decision. In a recent interview, Conlan admitted that sharing the ring against Wood will be a tough challenge.

“I rate him very highly and I’d expect a very tough bout,” the No. 1 contender said of the champ. “It will be the toughest challenge of my career, but I’ll grab the opportunity with both hands.”