EXCLUSIVE
Josh Warrington and Leigh Wood have turned the heat up in their intriguing featherweight rivalry.
The pair were expected to meet in a second showdown this year at Nottingham Forest's City Ground, but talks have stalled with no movement in either fighter's career as of yet.
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Wood informed talkSPORT that he has now become a free agent following unsuccessful talks, with the fight currently unable to be delivered in their venue of choice.
The Nottingham native also ripped into the 'Leeds Warrior', insisting they are no longer on good terms, a view which Warrington now shares.
In an appearance on talkSPORT Hawskbee and Jacobs, Warrington hit back at his rival, replying: "We were looking at a rematch, but I've answered questions and it has got under Leigh's skin.
"He talks about myself being bitter, obviously I am a little bit bitter, but it is the fact he works both ways.
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"He didn't give me credit, he said it was on him and suggested it was part of his game plan to get beaten.
"I know how the game is, but with him he seems to gloat quite a bit and it rubs me up the wrong way.
"I let the punches do the talking, we were amicable last time but this time round there is a lot more needle in there."
The former world champion went on to explain why he believes talks have stalled in recent months.
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He continued: "When I sit down with the promoters, they say to me the fight isn't doable because of Leigh's demands.
"I can only go on what they are saying, we were looking at the City Ground but it can't be done.
Josh Warrington reacts to his narrow defeat to Leigh Wood and believes he dominated the fight
"You then look at alternatives, a big arena, he wouldn't come to Leeds but I'd go to Nottingham.
"The promoters have looked at the figures and to pay for what he is demanding, it just doesn't add up.
"Me and my team have started looking at other options, he's come out doing interviews about things I've been saying for the last five months."
Warrington was performing well in their September 2023 encounter, but was stopped in the seventh round.
He has since been on a mission to receive his redemption shot but has so far been left empty-handed.
Wood vacated the WBA belt after his win, but any fight will be a huge event on domestic shores given the new feud that is brewing between the pair.
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