In an exclusive interview with DAZN News last week, Eddie Hearn revealed either New York's Madison Square or Wood's home city of Nottingham will host the contest, and the WBA champion is hoping a clash with Conlan can be his long-awaited homecoming. 

"My first thoughts were ‘I hope it’s in Nottingham’, I’ve grown a good fanbase, I haven’t boxed in Nottingham since 2019," Wood said in an exclusive interview with DAZN. 

"Since then I’ve gone away and won a British, Commonwealth, European and world title, I feel like I deserve a bit of a homecoming after all those fights in different places.

"But at the same time, if it’s in New York, I’ve got a job to do, it’s more experience for myself, it’s an away day, a lot of people have messaged me saying they want it to be in New York.

"A lot of good fighters have fought there so to add that to resume, that’ll be cool as well."

Location and venue can often be a problem during fight negotiations, but for Wood, a homecoming fight is the only thing on his mind, whether it be against Conlan or a different opponent. 

"Wherever it is, I’m going to bring what I bring.

"I’m thankful I’m in these fights, four or three years ago I was scratching around so I’m just thankful to be in this fight, I won’t let it slip, I’m coming to win.

"Whether it’s this fight or after, I will hopefully get my homecoming."

When asked specifically about Conlan, Wood has plenty of respect for the Olympic bronze medalist and is hoping for a hard fight against the Irishman.

"You’ve got to respect your opponent, especially someone like Conlan," Wood stated. 

"He’s had some good wins like myself. If you don’t have that respect for your opponent and think you’re just going to blow them away, you’re set for a rude awakening.

"I’m expecting a hard fight, I’m hoping for a hard fight, I want a hard fight.

"When you knock someone out quick and it’s an easy fight, you don’t get the respect for it, but when it’s a hard fight, especially when you’ve grafted and put all that work in for a hard fight, put the hours in. 

"I want to show something more, show character, show heart, desire."

Wood's WBA 'regular' featherweight title defence against Conlan is set to take place early next year after Matchroom won the purse bid to stage the fight.