Boxing fans have a major event to mark on their calendars, as former world champions Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington will face off in a highly anticipated rematch on 21 February 2026 at the Nottingham Arena. The fight promises to deliver high drama, building on their explosive first encounter in 2023.

The initial bout between Wood and Warrington remains one of the most talked-about contests in recent British featherweight boxing history. Wood, 37, stunned fans by knocking out Warrington with a trademark right-left combination in the seventh round, despite Warrington having dominated the fight up to that point. After beating the count, Warrington was ultimately deemed unable to continue by referee Michael Alexander, sparking debate and controversy that still resonates among boxing pundits.

Since that fight, both fighters have experienced contrasting career trajectories. Wood, a Nottingham native, suffered a stoppage defeat to Anthony Cacace in May, signaling a challenging comeback path. Meanwhile, Warrington, 34, rebounded from his defeat to the Northern Irishman with a routine victory over Asad Asif Khan in April. Prior to this, Warrington had briefly contemplated retirement but ultimately decided to remain active in the sport.

The upcoming Wood vs Warrington rematch is set to be more than just a battle for personal pride. With both fighters determined to assert dominance in the British featherweight division, expectations are high for an electrifying clash that could redefine their legacies.

Adding to the excitement, Matchroom Promotions also announced another major bout: Josh Kelly will challenge IBF light-middleweight champion Bakhram Murtazaliev for his maiden world title in Newcastle on 31 January 2026. Kelly, 31, will benefit from a home advantage against the unbeaten Russian, making it a key fight to watch in the international boxing calendar.

With these high-profile matches, British boxing fans are in for a thrilling start to 2026. The rematch between Wood and Warrington, in particular, promises to answer lingering questions from their controversial first encounter and showcase two of the UK’s top featherweight talents at their very best.