New pro's vow to late father
Bobby Wood finally makes his professional debut at Wolverhampton Civic Hall with a vow to fulfil the wish of his late father - and become the British Champion.
The Walsall middleweight walked away from the sport seven years ago after the death of his father Joe in 2002, a respected boxing figure who ran the Pleck ABC amateur club in the town.
Now his son enters the pro ranks on April 3 what his Dad started and, if his amateur record is anything to go by, the Black Country could have another bright prospect in wait.
Wood junior won 32 out of 35 fights unpaid, lifting 11 Midland titles, four British titles and competing nationally for the England amateur team.
Yet for all his plaudits, the now 27-year-old would not compete after his Dad passed away.
But he had to come back sooner or later - he had made a promise.
He said: "I promised my Dad on his deathbed, that I would become the British champion. It has taken me a long time to come back to the sport, but I aim to keep that promise."
The married father is honest in his reasons why.
He said: "When my father died, my love for boxing died with him. He was my best friend, he trained me every day since I was seven and I wouldn't achieved anything in boxing without him.
"His club is still going and Dad's old number one Tony Leonard runs it, which is what he would have wanted.
"He did so much for boxing in this town and I hope to continue his good name."
Wood watched on ITV4 last Saturday night as the British title changed hands in his weight category, with Matthew Macklin destroying champion Wayne Elcock inside three rounds in the 'Battle of Brum' at the Aston Villa Events Centre.
Despite his 'new kid on the block' status, the 27-year-old knows Macklin well - and he would take him on if he stood in his way down the line.
He said: "Me and Matthew go way back, we used to box for England together years ago. I was chuffed to bits for him after watching the fight, he is a worthy British champion.
"We could end up meeting in the ring one day, but that is a long way off yet."
To be there for the big fight night, contact the box office on 0870 320 7000 or promoter Paul 'PJ' Rowson on 07976 283 157.
Bobby Wood will be sponsored for the fight by Lead Logistics Ltd of Walsall.
