Ben Davidson’s ego has cost Leigh Wood millions and set him up for a downfall according to Michael Conlan.
The Belfast star was surprised to see the WBA Regular Champion agree to fight Mauricio Lara, the heavy-hitting Mexican who previously upset Josh Warrington, particularly when a lucrative rematch of their dramatic encounter was an option.
The extremely educated talent in the game believes that a Lara fight is ‘pointless’ as well as ‘dangerous’ and far less lucrative than a replay.
The Olympic medal winner claims it’s a bad deal but doesn’t think the Nottingham boxer did it.
Top Rank’s top talent believes trainer Ben Wood, with whom the Conlans, Jamie and Mick enjoyed some verbal sparring in the buildup to the original fight, advised against a rematch, and he did so for personal reasons.
“They told me their trainer said he didn’t want to give us the rematch because they ‘disrespected’ me and my brother in the build up to the last fight,” Conlan told Boxing Social.
“So if his coach’s ego has gotten in the way of him making a few million, then that’s bullshit.
“He would probably get more than double to fight me in a rematch, so I don’t get it. It’s a crazy choice but fair game for him to make. I just don’t think he’s in the business. It’s about preparing his family for him and having big meaningful fights, the rematch is more meaningful and bigger than Lara’s fight. The rematch is a lot more money, so he probably took a few million off. I don’t think it’s just his choice, I think it’s more his coach’s ego in a way.”
Conlan made it clear when it was suggested that Wood would put the replay in his back pocket for a rainy day, that a comeback won’t be appealing if the Matchroom fighter doesn’t bring the title to the table.
With that in mind, he fears the rematch is in serious jeopardy when Wood and Lara do battle in Nottingham.
“Crazy fight, dumb fight, pointless fight. What do you get by beating Lara? Does he beat Lara? In my opinion, no, I think she flattens out. In the words of Leigh Wood, I am feathered and if only there were 20 more seconds [in round one in our fight] was crushed, so if a feathered fist Mick Conlan can crush you, then a heavy hitter like Lara is going to put you to sleep.
