World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight champion Leigh Wood was honored this weekend by his hometown ice hockey team, the Nottingham Panthers.

The English champion of the pioneer organization was invited to the arena and received the crowd’s standing ovation and an acknowledgement for his representation of the city in boxing. He was seen smiling and wearing his WBA belt as he thanked the organization and those present at the venue for the gesture.

Wood is less than two weeks away from returning to the ring to defend his crown against Mexico’s Mauricio Lara at the Nottingham Arena. He has been preparing to remain as champion while receiving the gratitude of his people on the eve of a fight that promises to be tough and evenly matched. 

The 34-year-old fighter has been champion since July 2021 when he defeated China’s Can Xu in England with a technical knockout. He returned in March last year and made his first defense by delivering the knockout of the year against Ireland’s Michael Conlan.

An injury to his hand prevented him from returning to the ring in late 2022 but now he feels 100 percent and ready to expose his crown in this big fight against “Bronco” Lara.