Nottingham's world champion Leigh Wood to make City Ground appearance ahead of Liverpool clash

Leigh Wood is to show off his WBA featherweight title belt at Nottingham Forest's FA Cup clash with Liverpool this weekend, Nottingham's own world champ has announced.

Wood, 33, successfully fought off Irishman Michael Conlan last Saturday night at the Motorpoint Arena to keep hold of his WBA featherweight title. Despite a stumble in the early rounds, Wood fought back against his challenger and landed a powerful strike in the 12th round to knock-out Conlan and send him out crashing out of the ring - fortunately, he has fully recovered.

To celebrate retaining his title, Wood says he is set to make an appearance at the City Ground on Sunday afternoon. He is likely to display his featherweight title belt to supporters before the Reds take on Liverpool in an exciting FA Cup clash.

Responding to a Forest fan who asked whether Wood would be appearing at the Reds' league match against QPR on Wednesday night or "saving himself for Sunday", the world champion said: "On a plane to Dubai to watch @ShabazMasoud fight. But back at the ground Sunday! Bringing the belt."

The Gedling-born boxer first claimed the world title when he beat the Chinese boxer Xu Can back in July 2021. Now, having retained his title, the hope is that Wood will be granted his wish of a fight at the City Ground.

Reflecting on an incredible night, the emotional 33-year-old and huge Reds fan said: "It has always been the dream to fight there. I told everybody that I was going to make it happen and Eddie Hearn had promised me that if I won the fight then it would.

"I can't wait. The Forest fans who turned out last night were incredible. When I came out to Mull of Kintyre to hear them singing they lifted me up and picked me up to another level.

"It was unreal and