“If Josh Would Have Turned Around…”: Rooting for Rematch, Ebanie Bridges and Eddie Hearn Share Their 2 Cents on Controversial Josh Warrington vs. Leigh Wood Stoppage

Leigh Wood reclaimed his WBA featherweight title after defeating Josh Warrington on Saturday night in the Utilita Arena Sheffield. However, up until the seventh round, Warrington was dominating the fight. Not to mention, Warrington had Wood on the ropes in the third round, resulting from a flurry of punches from Warrington. However, in a twist of faith, Wood landed a crazy left and followed it with a flurry of punches that took Warrington to the canvas. Despite Wood’s win, Eddie Hearn and Ebanie Bridges called for a rematch.

Even though Wood was declared the winner, the win came with its own controversy. During the press conference for the fight, Warrington seemed more active, and Wood took a passive approach. The same attitude was evident in the ring as well. However, after Wood knocked down Warrington, the latter got up in a haze and walked to the corner. This prompted the referee to asses if Warrington could continue, leading to the stoppage. The decision started a discussion during the post-fight press conference when Eddie Hearn hinted at a rematch. Later, even Bridges took to X (Twitter) to voice her desire for a rematch.

Eddie Hearn reveals what the referee told him about the stoppage

During the post-fight press conference, Hearn claimed that he wanted to see the rematch. “I think, if Josh would have turned around, they would have 100% let the fight carry on,” Hearn told the reporters. He even stated that the referee should have allowed him to turn around. “If the ref did call it off at eight. I think it was too early because he should have given him, you know, the opportunity to turn around,” said Hearn.

Later, Hearn described what the referee told him about the controversial stoppage. “He said he wouldn’t turn around, and if he don’t turn around. I can’t let him continue,” Hearn told the reporters. Coming back to a rematch, Hearn claimed DZAN showed great numbers, and a rematch makes all the sense. “I think the rematch is probably the biggest one,” Hearn claimed during the press conference.

Ebanie Bridges claims Warrington was “dominating the fight”

Ebanie Bridges, the IBF female bantamweight champion, also took to Twitter to voice her opinion on Warrington’s stoppage. The Australian boxer dubbed the ‘sexiest boxer ever’ stated, “He turned around, and it was literally end of round.” She further asserted that the referee should have given Warrington a few minutes. 

Bridges even expressed her disappointment with the decision. However, she praised Wood for his performance during the fight. Bridges then finished the tweet by claiming she would love to watch a rematch. “Let’s do a #Rematch. It was a brilliant fight, and I’d love to see it again.” What’s more, the chatter among the fans echoes the same sentiment. 

Also Read: Ebanie Bridges Shows Her Admiration for Leigh Wood, Following His Featherweight Title Win

Undeniably, both Warrington and Wood performed exceptionally, but speculations from experts suggest a potential rematch. What are your thoughts on the stoppage? Do you think Warrington was robbed of a win?

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