Leigh Wood says he no longer respects fellow Briton Josh Warrington and a rematch is likely to take place at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground in May.
Wood, 35, retained his WBA featherweight title with a stunning seventh-round knockout in October after Warrington was dominating the bout.
There was plenty of mutual respect and no bad blood in the build-up but Wood says a rematch would be different.
“I don’t like him. I’d like to make the win more decisive this time,” he said.
“The build-up last time was respectful but since then he’s been very bitter and it’s been getting a little worse lately.”
After beating 33-year-old Warrington, Wood vacated his world title in a move up to super-featherweight.
Warrington has made it clear he wants to fight Wood again and is pushing Matchroom to make the fight.
Wood has also been linked with Britain’s IBF champion Joe Cordina but is targeting Mexico’s WBO champion Emanuel Navarrete or a Warrington rematch.
“There are two people I want to fight. I’d like Navarrete because he’s number one and I would like to take his spot,” Wood said.
“But the sense at the minute is the fans seem to want the Warrington fight, so that’s looking very likely.
“He’s been saying the referee shouldn’t have stopped it. He’s put up photos of me on his social media and said a lot of things on the internet trying to goad a fight. He’s mentioned my stablemates. He’s mentioned my trainer.
“It just felt like he didn’t mind being a good sportsman when he thought he was going to win but since he got beat he’s kind of changed.”
Wood is a lifelong Forest fan and had it stipulated in his contract with Matchroom that his next fight be held at the Premier League club’s ground.
Former world champion Warrington is a Leeds United fan and is expected to bring huge travelling support from his city.
“It’s all about filling the City ground, getting a good atmosphere and doing good numbers,” Wood said.
