SPORTS stars and rival presenters have come out in force to wish Laura Woods a speedy recovery after she suffered a horror injury.
The 36-year-old has had to pull out of hosting tonight’s blockbuster heavyweight clash between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.
Woods was notably absent from coverage of the heated press conference and weigh-ins ahead of tonight’s fight.
And the TNT Sports presenter has revealed she won’t be on screens for a while, having sustained nasty-looking cuts to her face and arm after a freak accident on holiday.
Many celebs have sent their well wishes to Woods, commenting on her shock Instagram post. Among them have been many fellow presenters.
Sky Sports’ Bianca Westwood said: “Oh s**t Laura you poor thing. Sending hugs.”
Fellow presenter Josh Denzel added: “Get well soon Woodsy!”
BBC host Kelly Somers wrote: “Sending you so much love Laura – get well soon. You can already see the huge improvement, hope it continues to heal well.”
While colleague Gabby Logan said: “Lots of love and speedy healing.”
Woods’ former talkSPORT co-host Gabby Agbonlahor said: “Get well soon.”
Presenter Kirsty Gallacher added: “Gosh, speedy recovery.”
While F1 host Natalie Pinkham said: “Bless you Laura. Sending healing hugs and loads of love.”
And a touching message from football pundit Karen Carney read: “Big hugs my love, get better soon xxx.”
Ex-Arsenal star Theo Walcott wrote: “Wishing you a speedy recovery and hope you’re doing ok.”
Former Premier League winner John Terry said: “Get well soon.”
Ex-Lionesses ace Jill Scott commented: “Laura hope you’re ok! Wishing you a speedy recovery.”
And her former team-mate and pundit Eni Aluko said: “Gosh! Glad you’re okay. Speedy healing.”
There was also a message from her boyfriend and ex-Love Island star Adam Collard, saying: “Little trooper.”
Woods‘ accident happened while away with Collard as a glass lampshade was smashed above her head, causing it to shatter.
She revealed on Instagram: “Just wanted to explain my absence from the telly for a little while, to be totally transparent and avoid any speculation.
“I had an accident last weekend at a holiday cottage. I swung a pillow and hit a large, glass lampshade hanging from the ceiling above me, which shattered and cut my face and arms, but luckily missed my eye.
“I wanted to say a couple of thank yous, firstly to Adam, for being my hero that day, acting so quickly and not leaving my side since and to his family for taking care of me in a time when I was petrified.
“To my agents Alex Maguire and Matthew Odonohue at CAA who searched for the best help immediately.
“To Dr Yannis Alexandrides and his wonderful medical assistant Zuzanna at 111 who opened their emergency surgery and came in on their days off, they were so gentle and have already worked magic that I didn’t think was possible to reduce the damage.
“I’ve added in the photos from then to now to show that even though it may look rough, it’s such a wonderful improvement already and I’m so grateful.
“It was a hell of a shock and I’ve been a bit sad, but I’m feeling very lucky it wasn’t worse. So a big thanks to my eyebrow too, for taking the brunt of it.
“I’m gutted I can’t cover the fight in Riyadh tomorrow anymore, but wishing the brilliant TNT boxing team all the best. Be back soon xx.”
This Little and Large affair is likely to be messy and more mundane than memorable with lots of clinches and Usyk using mind over matter as his most potent weapon.
Logically there is no way the Gypsy King should lose — that old adage about a good big-un always beating a good little-un was coined for good reason.
If it was the Fury of three years ago when he KO’d Deontay Wilder in the last of their unforgettable trilogy then I believe Usyk — despite his masterful skills and boxing brain — would be facing a painful defeat.
But there was evidence seven months ago when Fury was lucky to get a debateable points win after crude MMA novice Francis Ngannou had floored him, that his powers may be in decline.
The young Fury would never have been caught by Ngannou’s left hook that sent him to the canvas.
It will be no surprise if Fury uses his height and weight advantage to physically wear Usyk out.
But my gut feeling is Usyk is clever enough to keep out the way of Fury’s big punches and earn a close but decisive points victory.
Talking to boxing people and fans this week I have the impression Fury is losing popularity — not helped by his father John’s headbutting antics — and not too many tears will be shed if he should lose.
