Mauricio Lara: The Rising Featherweight Star Set to Take on Either Leigh Wood or Josh Warrington

Mauricio Lara is a name that’s becoming increasingly difficult to ignore in the world of boxing. The Mexican featherweight fighter recently landed a devastating left hook to the chin of Leigh Wood, scoring a seventh-round technical knockout win against the Brit in Nottingham. The win earned Lara the WBA featherweight crown and put him back on track for a swift return to the squared circle.

Matchroom Boxing, the company behind the bout, is eager to see Lara face either Wood or former two-time foe Josh Warrington in his next fight. Eddie Hearn, the company’s promotional head, stated that Lara’s next fight could be against Wood on May 27, or against Warrington if Wood decides to pass on the opportunity for a rematch.

Wood was up on all three scorecards before Lara landed the final punch of the fight, forcing coach Ben Davison to throw in the towel. Despite the loss, Wood is reportedly interested in a rematch against Lara, and the Mexican fighter is ready to oblige.

“I think that Wood gave me an opportunity without being mandatory, and as a [former] champion, he deserves a rematch,” said Lara. “But whatever comes, I will take it.”

If Wood decides against a rematch, Lara’s archrival Warrington is waiting in the wings. The two fighters met twice in 2021, with Lara winning the first bout by TKO and the second bout being ruled a technical draw after Lara suffered a cut to his left eye in the second round due to an accidental head clash.

Warrington was ringside for the Lara-Wood fight and was on the receiving end of Lara’s anger when he walked toward him and spat on him immediately after knocking out Wood. The bad blood between the two fighters is palpable, and a rematch would undoubtedly be an explosive affair.

Lara’s recent win against Wood and his previous victories against Warrington have established him as a serious contender in the featherweight division. The 25-year-old fighter has a record of 26-2-1 with 19 knockouts, and his powerful left hook has proven to be a lethal weapon in the ring.

As Lara sets his sights on his next opponent, boxing fans can expect to see more of the bucking bronco that is Mauricio Lara. His explosive fighting style and impressive knockout record have made him a fighter to watch, and it’s clear that he’s not slowing down anytime soon.