Error code: %{errorCode}
Darren Barker: Retirement looms large as arch-rivals run it back again
In his latest exclusive column for DAZN News, former IBF world middleweight champ Darren Barker turns the spotlight on tonight's rematch between bitter rivals Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington, which you can watch live on DAZN.
The stage is set for a fantastic battle
I'm thrilled to see this rematch, largely because the first fight had so much jeopardy.
Josh Warrington looked good and surprised a lot of people, myself included. But Leigh Wood did what Leigh Wood does — he’s Hollywood, he's blockbuster.
There was a bit of controversy with the stoppage but I think it sets the tone for a fantastic rematch.
Although he won, I believe Wood will have to make more adjustments. I thought he walked on to a lot of Warrington's shots and I could see a similar pattern this time.
I'm not sure if they personally dislike each other but they're domestic rivals — and that runs deep. It's bragging rights. It's real pride on the line.
They’re both well supported and there's a real competitiveness between the two. It's great for us as spectators.
They're fired up, they've got the bit between their teeth and they're desperate for a win. It's going to be very hard to stay disciplined in a fight like this as emotions run high.
The crowd in Nottingham will also get them going — as they say in football, the fans will be the 12th man.
Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Both fighters thrive and perform well off the noise their fans make. But ultimately, when that bell goes, you almost go into a trance-like state.
It will just be if it gets tough in there — and believe me it does get hard — that the support of the crowd could be the difference, so I would give a little edge to Wood because it’s in Nottingham.
I think he’s the favourite, although Warrington goes into this fight with a win while Wood’s coming off a loss. Despite that, Wood will have the confidence that he can repeat what he did in the first fight.
He carries big power and carries it late as well. We've seen that before and the Michael Conlan fight springs to mind.
Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
I think Warrington will feel that power at some point and Wood will land the shot that could potentially end his career.
I've absolutely no doubt in my mind that it’s curtains for whoever loses. Because of the incredible careers they've had, they've got nothing more to prove, nothing else to gain.
They’ve both had careers you can only dream of. For me, the loser — and perhaps even the winner — retires. I wouldn’t rule out the winner deciding to go out on a high.
Darren Barker was speaking to Gavin Glicksman
3 fight nights, 1 unmissable weekend - only on DAZN
Watch three amazing fights this weekend - Feb 21-22 - exclusively on DAZN. It's Barrios vs. Garcia for the WBC welterweight title on PPV; with Wood vs. Warrington II and Shields vs. Crews-Dezurn II on DAZN subscription. Get all three all included with DAZN Ultimate Tier.
