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Leigh Wood vs Michael Conlan: Everything you need to know ahead of fight night

Leigh Wood makes the first defence of his WBA featherweight title this weekend against Michael Conlan.

Wood is headlining in his hometown of Nottingham, England, and a victory can help him fulfil a dream of fighting at Nottingham Forest's City Ground.
The 33-year-old defeated China's Xu Can in an upset last July at Matchroom Boxing's HQ with a sensational stoppage in round 12.
Wood's opponent is undefeated from 16 professional bouts and already had a big profile having previously won bronze at the 2012 Olympics.

Conlan of Northern Ireland made his pro debut at Madison Square Garden and walked out alongside UFC superstar Conor McGregor.

His most recent win was his most impressive against former world champion TJ Doheny.
Below is everything you need to know ahead of the featherweight world title clash, including the ringwalk time and how to watch it.

When is Wood vs Conlan?

The pair will collide on Saturday, March 12, at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham.

When is the ringwalk time?

The main card will begin at 19:00pm GMT and the main event between Leigh Wood and Michael Conlan is expected to take place at around 22:15pm GMT.

What TV channel is it on?

You can watch the whole card live on DAZN in the UK & Ireland. To watch it, you will have to sign up to their subscription at £7.99 for the month. To join, click here.

Who are the trainers for both fighters?

Adam Booth will be in the corner for Michael Conlan this weekend and he is one of Britain's best trainers.

For those who are unfamiliar with him, Booth has worked with David Haye, George Groves and Andy Lee. His current stable includes Conlan, Josh Kelly and Shannon Courtenay.

Meanwhile, BBBofC 2021 Trainer of the Year Ben Davison will be instructing Leigh Wood on the night.

Davison - known for his work with Tyson Fury - also works with Josh Taylor, Lee McGregor and Devin Haney.

What have they said?

Leigh Wood:

"I couldn't be happier with my camp for this fight. I have the best version of Mick and he has the best version of me. And the best man will win.
"I am going to go further than this, too. Eddie (Hearn) has dangled the carrot in front of me on a Nottingham Forest fight. After this fight, it's happening.
"I believe I defend my title. People thanked me for turning up against Can Xu and didn't expect me to win, but I always knew I would win.
"I have always been confident. In the gym, through injuries, and I am confident in my ability."

Michael Conlan:

"If it hadn't been for the pandemic I'd have won a world title that year [2020] so I've had to put the brakes on for two years and the routes have changed over that time.

"It could have happened sooner but everything happens for a reason. I've never been in better shape and I'm really excited."

"I have fought in people's backyards before so going to Nottingham is not going to bother me. To win the belt there would make it even sweeter," added Conlan.

Read more: Len Blavatnik - Who is he, what does he do and how did he make his money?

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