LEIGH Wood is wary of the elusive Tyrone McCullagh ahead of today’s Golden Contract semi-final draw.
McCullagh, a former amateur with Illies Golden Gloves, is in today’s draw with Wood, Ryan Walsh and Jazza Dickens.
The Golden Contract semi-finals take place on Friday night at York Hall.
Nottingham’s Wood – who trained alongside Jason Quigley during their time under trainer Dominic Ingle – is the favourite for the lightweight title, but admits that he has one eye on McCullagh.
“I’ve watched a lot of the opponents apart from McCullagh. Regardless, we’re just preparing for all of the various styles the same way we normally do,” he said.
“There’s not one of them in particular I’d prefer to face in the semi-finals. Each one is different but I believe I’d adapt to beat them all so it’s a level playing field.”
Wood overcame David Oliver Joyce in October while McCullagh overcame Razaq Najib.
A coveted ‘Golden Ball’ will dictate today’s long-anticipated draw, with four super-lightweights and four featherweights hopeful their rummage in the bag sees them become the only fighter in their division to choose their opponent.
Glen Road man McCullagh successfully defended the European Super-Bantamweight title last May in Newcastle when he defeated Alvaro Rodriguez.
“I genuinely believe that out of my three potential opponents, there’s not a lot separating them. They’re all very, very good,” McCullagh said.
“Without a doubt, whoever I get, it will be my toughest opponent to date but I’ve always said that the higher the quality of opponent, that’s when you’ll see the best ‘White Chocolate.’ You haven’t seen it yet.
“I’m happy to wear the tag of ‘the novice’ in this. I imagine I’ll be the underdog whoever I draw. That suits me down to the ground because it takes all the pressure off me.”
Friday’s fight night, which also includes the hotly-anticipated super-lightweight semi-finals, will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK in association with Matchroom and on ESPN+ in the US in association with Top Rank.
Tags: