There are arguments made sometimes that the Olympics mean less than they used to in boxing.

It’s an argument made in folly. 

Olympic appearances, or success, may not always be an accurate predictor of the future but they sure give a hell of a foundation. Ireland’s Michael Conlan made two appearances. His second, ended with a controversial decision loss and a therapeutic middle finger to the disarray of the unpaid game, gave him a name identification no other stage could have. 

A professional since 2017, Conlan has been prominently featured since his pro debut on multiple platforms and this Saturday (DAZN, makes his biggest step to date. Can the former Olympian become a real contender at featherweight?  

Let’s get into it. 

Stats and Stakes

Leigh Wood

Age: 33

Titles: None*

Previous Titles: None

Height: 5’7   

Weight: 125 ½ lbs.

Stance: Orthodox

Hails from: Gedling, Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom 

Record: 25-2, 15 KO, 1 KOBY

Press Rankings: #5 (ESPN), #7 (ESPN, BoxRec), #10 (TBRB), 

Record in Major Title Fights: 0-0 (1-0, 1 KO in WBA sub-title fights)

Last Five Opponents: 87-8-1 (.911)

Notable Outcomes, TBRB/Ring Rated Foes: Xu Can TKO12

Additional Current/Former Titlists Faced: None

*Wood is the WBA sub-titlist at featherweight. Wood won that belt from Xu Can in his last bout and is making his first defense.

Vs.

Michael Conlan

Age: 30

Titles/Previous Titles: None 

Height: 5’8   

Weight: 125 ½ lbs.

Stance: Orthodox/Southpaw

Hails from: Belfast, Northern Ireland

Record: 16-0, 8 KO

Press Rankings: Unranked

Record in Major Title Fights: 0-0

Last Five Opponents: 95-10-1 (.901)

Notable Outcomes, TBRB and/or Ring Rated Foes: None

Additional Current/Former Titlists Faced: TJ Doheny UD12

The Pick: Wood enters the bout on a two-fight win streak, riding the wave of a career best win over Xu in his last bout. It was a gutsy performance but Conlan is a different challenge and Conlan enters off a solid victory of his own. Conlan scored a knockdown of former Jr. featherweight titlist TJ Doheny titlist en route to a decision win. While not a big puncher, Conlan is a capable, smart switch hitter with quick hands and an educated jab. While not always exciting, Conlan is efficient and crafty. Wood is fundamentally sound but can be predictable on offense and Conlan should be quicker on the draw. Conlan is closing in on bigger fights. A decision win over Wood should be another step in the right direction.             

Rold Picks 2022: 9-3

Cliff Rold is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene, a founding member of the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board, a member of the International Boxing Research Organization, and a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America.  He can be reached at roldboxing@hotmail.com