TWO of the most popular and successful British world champions of this era collide on neutral territory on Saturday night with far more than just a championship belt on the line.

Featherweight king Leigh Wood defends his crown against former two-time champion Josh Warrington in one of the most eagerly anticipated fights of the year.

Challenger Warrington, with Leeds in his corner, enters the ring for his seventh world title fight and has been packing out arenas for the last five years.

Champion Wood, travelling north from Nottingham, has only been at boxing’s top table since 2011, but enters the ring as champion and fresh from a revenge victory over an all too familiar foe.

‘BRONCO’ LARA

Many considered Wood foolish for going straight back in with Mauricio ‘Bronco’ Lara after the Mexican brutally knocked him out in February to take away his belt.

But revenge was served cold just 12 weeks later when he comprehensively outboxed the South American to regain his crown.

That double-header was all too familiar for Warrington, who was painfully knocked out himself by Lara in 2021, only to see his return scored a draw after a headbutt ended that rematch prematurely.

Warrington, 32, did bounce back to regain his belt, overcoming a broken jaw against Spaniard Kiko Martinez last year.

But another Mexican, Luis Alberto Lopez, made off with the title in December when Josh paid the price for a slow start at Leeds Arena.

‘LEIGHTHAL’ WOOD

Wood, 35, arrives in Sheffield with a 30-fight record that includes seven consecutive knockouts in his last eight outings.

He’s at his athletic peak right now, has serious power at the weight, but can also box to a gameplan when required.

He outboxed then stopped once avoided China’s Can Xu to claim his belt, then came from behind on the cards to KO Michael Conlan with a knockout of the year in his first defence.

He proved the doubters wrong in his return with Lara too, and is judged by many in the sport to be the #1 nine-stone fighter today.

‘WARRIOR’ WARRINGTON

That title once belonged to Warrington. After he won his belt in front of a packed house at his beloved Elland Road Stadium, he outboxed Carl Frampton to truly mark his legacy.

A front foot pressure fighter who has underrated power and a ferocious disposition, Josh’s reputation was earned not given. He overwhelms opponents. Or, at least, he did.

Fighting the way he does has a shelf life. Dragging opponents in wars and relying on will as much as skill can only take you so far for so long.

But Wood too loves a scrap. It’s in his nature and, whilst he can box beautifully, it takes far more effort from him than standing and trading.

If Warrington can rattle Wood’s cage early not only does this fight swing in his favour, but it also sets up a potential fight of the year contender.

However, in a match-up where both are fighting for legacy over fame and fortune, it’s about who has the most in their locker to call upon with a cool head.

Wood, despite being older, is just a little fresher, a little smarter and a little bit stronger than Warrington.

He also has the momentum of victory over a man they both struggled with previously in his sails.

TIP: Wood on TKO 10-12 (9/1)