Xu Can will defend his WBA ‘Regular’ Featherweight world title against Leigh Wood at Matchroom’s Fight Camp on July 31st, live on DAZN.
Can (18-2, 3 KOs) will make a third defence of the belt he won with a unanimous decision over Jesus Rojas in January 2019 against current British champion, Wood (24-2, 14 KOs) on the undercard of Conor Benn’s meeting with Adrian Granados on the first edition of Fight Camp.
‘Monster’ was linked with a clash with former IBF champion, Josh Warrington although a bout never materialised and ‘The Leeds Warrior’ went on to vacate his crown before losing to Mauricio Lara in February, although he will get a chance at revenge on September 4th.
“I have been idled nearly 20 months without a fight,” said Can.
“In the past 5 months in Miami, my coach Pedro Diaz has worked me very hard.
“This is by far the best preparation for my title fights. I feel that I am in an excellent status, physically and mentally.
“In the next 3 weeks, my goal is to focus on the training and preparation.
“Leigh Wood is a tough opponent to face and he also has the privileges to fight at home. I must devote 200% of efforts to keep my title. I can’t wait to see how I turn out on July 31.”
Wood, who is trained by Ben Davison, will be stepping up in level having operated predominantly at domestic level.
The 32-year-old Nottinghamshire man bounced back from a Golden Contract semi-final defeat to Jazza Dickens to stop Reece Mould in nine rounds in February to secure the vacant Lonsdale belt and has vowed to dethrone the champion.
“Opportunities like this don’t always come around, I won’t need another,” said Wood.
“I’m going to be World Champion. He’s very good volume puncher, if you let him fight his fight, you’re in for a hard night.
“I know what I have to do, and I will be exchanging on my terms.”
Elsewhere, WBA Bantamweight World Champion Shannon Courtenay (7-1, 3 KOs) will now put her World Title on the line for the first time against the USA’s Jamie Mitchell (6-0-2, 4 KOs) on Fight Camp Week 3 on Saturday August 14.
