Leigh Wood outclasses and stops Can Xu for world title

On just four weeks notice, British featherweight champion Leigh Wood stepped up to challenge WBA World champion Can Xu on Matchroom Boxing's first instalment of Fight Camp 2021 and produced one of the years biggest shocks with a dominant display to rip the belt from the Chinese visitor, stopping him in the final round.

Xu had been out of the ring since November 20019 when he scored the biggest win of his near eight-year career, winning a wide unanimous decision over previously unbeaten challenger Manny Robles III in Indio, California. Perhaps the long layoff can be seen as a reason for a lacklustre performance but the defending challenger just looked like he had little idea how to cope with Wood's style.

At 32 years of age, Wood can look forward to some big paydays. It is just 17 months since he lost a razor-tight decision to Jazza Dickens who challenges for the vacant IBF title in a weeks time against Kid Galahad.

Scores: Raul Caiz Jr 107-102 | Robert Hoyle 106-103 | Bob Williams 107-102.