The featherweight division is a stacked division stuffed with some doubtlessly memorable match ups. At Huge Struggle Weekend, we’re trying on the most underrated featherweights to search for in 2023. We’ve got already proven you numerous weight lessons in our underrated sequence, and the featherweight division is stuffed with some potential mouth watering contests. Will Oscar Valdez bounce again after his factors loss to Shakur Stevenson? Will Michael Conlan avenge his loss to Leigh Wooden? 2023 guarantees to be an eventful 12 months for the division.
Featherweights to Look For in 2023
“Leigh Wooden deserves a rematch.” 🤝
– @bronco_lara is all for #LaraWood2. pic.twitter.com/7FvyudCikJ
— iD Boxing (@idboxingnews) March 20, 2023
Leigh Wooden
Leigh Wooden has loved a very memorable time since his factors loss to Jazza Dickens in early 2020. He gained the vacant British featherweight title with a ninth spherical TKO win over Reece Mould. “Leigh-thal” adopted this up with a sensational final spherical TKO victory over Xu Can. The memorable win ensured the Nottingham fighter captured the WBA common featherweight world title. Wooden was in entrance on all of the scorecards, and boxed fantastically all through and confirmed loads of coronary heart and braveness, and his shot choice was glorious the entire flight.
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Regardless of the current loss towards Mauricio Lara, which noticed Lara cease “Leigh-thal” with a thudding left hook close to the top of the seventh spherical. Woods coach Ben Davison determined to throw within the towel, which noticed his fighter lose his world title. Regardless of the current disappointment, there are many alternatives for Woods in 2023 to carry him again into the world title hunt.
Michael Conlan
Michael Conlan loved a profitable novice profession, which noticed him win gold on the 2014 Commonwealth Video games in Glasgow, and that triumph was preceded by a bronze medal on the 2012 Olympics in London. “Mick” had a superb begin to his skilled profession profitable all 16 contests.
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🏆 @mickconlan11 shot at world glory on dwelling soil, stay on @BTsport
Tickets on sale Friday, March 31 by way of @TicketmasterIre pic.twitter.com/qefMJhzuSV
— Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) March 22, 2023
The Belfast fighter deservedly earned a shot on the WBA (common) champion Leigh Wooden. Conlan began brilliantly, scoring a knockdown within the first spherical. The southpaw fighter confirmed his spectacular energy, quick hand pace, and efficient jab, which troubled Wooden from the outset.
Because the combat wore on, Wooden’s coronary heart and need clawed him again into the combat. Conlan seemingly drained within the later rounds, which ended with Wooden knocking Conlan by way of the ropes in spherical twelve.
Joe Cordina
Regardless of having to endure 16 months of inactivity after defeating Enrique Tinoco, Joe Cordina has skilled a superb begin to his skilled profession profitable all 15 of his fights. Cordina is because of combat fellow unbeaten fighter Shavkat Rakhimov on April 22, in what seems to be to be his hardest check so far.
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Cordina is good at combating on the again foot, and selecting his punches. His foot motion is spectacular which regularly sees him slip punches and choose his opponents off at will. The long run seems to be vibrant for Cordina, and a win over Rakhimov, will catapult him into rivalry for some huge fights.
Shavkat Rakhimov
Shavkat Rakhimov is at the moment getting ready for the Joe Cordina combat. “Shere Khan” has loved an important begin to his skilled profession, profitable 17 of 18 fights, with one draw.
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The Tajikistani-born southpaw possesses glorious footwork. He’s adept at slipping punches and turning his opponents at will, making him a troublesome goal to hit. He additionally has a busy and various jab which helps him hold his challenger in vary. Rakhimov possesses spectacular energy, and when he smells blood, he has the capabilities to capitalise.
Luis Alberto Lopez
Luis Alberto Lopez is the present IBF featherweight champion. He gained the title on December 10, 2022, defeating Josh Warrington by way of majority resolution. “El Venado” has gained 27 of 29 fights, with simply two defeats.
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The Mexican fighter is fearless and is usually recognized for travelling into his opponent’s yard, as confirmed by his upset win over Warrington in Leeds. Lopez seems to be set to tackle Conlan subsequent on Might 27. His bravery and come-forward type will imply Conlan should be at his greatest.
Regardless of not having a excessive KO share, the Mexican confirmed in his KO win over Issac Lowe that he possesses loads of energy with that brutal fight-ending physique shot within the seventh spherical.
