10/02/24
Photo Credit: Queensberry Promotions
Queensberry Promotions' newest signee has made it clear that he is ready to face Leigh Wood.
In an interview with iFL TV, undefeated Cuban blue-chip prospect Jadier Herrera (15-0, 13 KOs) stated that he not only wants to welcome the former featherweight champion into the super featherweight division, but that he intends to "destroy his life." This direct challenge puts Wood at the center of a potential battle with a young man hungry for glory, eager to dethrone one of the most respected figures in British boxing.
Leigh Wood has had a checkered career, establishing himself as the WBA (World Boxing Association) Featherweight World Champion. Having been considered by many to be a boxer limited to the British or European level, his victories against Reece Mould and then-champion Xu Can catapulted him onto the world stage. A showdown with Mexican Leo Santa Cruz loomed, but before he got to that fight, Wood had to overcome one obstacle: Michael Conlan.
Photo Credit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
In March 2022, Wood and Conlan staged one of the most memorable fights in recent boxing history, which was awarded Fight of the Year by The Ring magazine. Wood, who was behind on the judges' scorecards, scored a stunning last-round knockout that secured his place in the annals of British boxing.
Following that triumph, Wood was promoted to full world champion due to Santa Cruz's inability to defend his title. However, his reign was not an easy one. He faced the dangerous Mauricio Lara, known for his crushing power that had finished Josh Warrington. Wood fell by knockout in his first encounter with Lara, but showed his resilience by regaining the belt in the rematch just three months later.
More recently, Wood faced Josh Warrington again, in a bout in which he was behind on the scorecards before landing a knockout that put him back on top of boxing.
Photo Credit: Queensberry Promotions
Jadier Herrera will return to the ring on October 5, 2024 at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, where he will face Nicaraguan Oliver Flores (31-5-2, 20 KO) in an exciting card that will be headlined by Nick Ball and Ronny Rios. In this fight, Herrera will look to extend his undefeated record while continuing to stand out as a rising prospect in the super featherweight division.
If Herrera prevails against the Nicaraguan, he will look to get a fight with Leigh Wood is finalized. Not only would the young Cuban southpaw's skills be tested at the highest level, but it could also catapult him into the elite of professional boxing. In addition, it would represent a great opportunity to establish himself as an emerging figure in world boxing. Facing a boxer of Wood's stature, who has been a world champion at featherweight and is beloved by British fans, would put Herrera on the global radar, especially in the competitive European and world boxing scene.
For Herrera, beating Wood would be a huge boost to his career, giving him credibility as a legitimate contender in the super featherweight division and increasing his prestige. It would also be a victory that would open the door to higher profile fights, including world title fights. Leigh Wood is known for his heart and determination, having put in some memorable fights, making beating him an impressive feat for any opponent, let alone a youngster like Herrera, who is just entering his prime.
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