Mauricio Lara and Leigh Wood will meet in the ring again after their last February 18th match which saw Lara net a controversial stoppage win over Wood when Wood’s trainer ― Ben Davison ― threw in the towel in the 7th round after deeming his fighter had suffered too much damage. The two will now meet each other again to tie up loose ends on May 27th at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, based in the United Kingdom.
Mexican WBA Featherweight champion Mauricio Lara (26-2-1, 19 KO’s) won his title from Leigh Wood (26-3, 16 KO’s) on February 18th after the Brit had first conquered the title in July of 2021. Wood went on to defend his title two more times, with his last title defense culminating in a loss. His first title defense was against Irish contender Michael Conlan (18-1, 9 KO’s); a bout which was noticeably regarded as one of the best fights of the year giving the competitiveness and the late twelfth-round stoppage that occured for Wood.
Mauricio Lara, who had two losses prior to Wood is best known for his two-fight stint with former British world champion Josh Warrington (31-2-1, 8 KO’s), and was considered the best Featherweight in the world for months prior to Brandon Figueroa’s (24-1-1, 18 KO’s) emergence in the division.
Now, Mauricio Lara is set to make true of the high expectations that now surround him given his last stoppage win, and he will be bolstered by a positive momentum going into the rematch with Leigh Wood who had been one of just two British champions in the lower weight classes next to Flyweight world champion Sunny Edwards (19-0, 4 KO’s). Despite his loss, however, Wood still remains a viable threat to put a quick end to Lara’s reign given the two had been evenly-matched prior to Lara’s TKO win.
The event will be promoted and organized by Matchroom to which both fighters are currently signed with. Maurico “Bronco” Lara has already stated his intention to repeat his previous feat over Wood after his latest interview with Matchroom Boxing, despite the clear danger the Brit still poses to his reign.
“I think he is a very strong fighter and he just gives his all when he’s fighting, and he showed it.” Lara said determinedly.
“I’m not going to hide. I did not hide before I was a champion, and I’m not hiding now as a champion.” Lara finished confidently.
