Previously received applicant status Otabek Kholmatov (11-0, 10 KOs). The Uzbek is still a dark horse, but could pose a definite threat, so it is not known whether Wood will go for a mandatory defense or choose a higher paying fight, as there are already rumors about his possible clash with Josh Warrington (31-2-1, 8 KOs).
“It's over, now he won't have a choice. I will send him to the floor of the ring for a long time,” promised Kholmatov, who announced himself to British fans in early March by defeating Thomas Patrick Ward in the fifth round, who was undefeated in thirty-four fights.