Is Mauricio Lara vs. Josh Warrington 3 next? Mexican confirms he spat at Leeds Warrior and wants career-ending win
Lara #Lara
MOTORPOINT ARENA, NOTTINGHAM — Mauricio Lara has confirmed he spat at fierce rival Josh Warrington, following the Mexican’s stunning triumph over Leigh Wood.
The WBA world featherweight title was on the line as Wood returned to the ring for the first time in 11 months, taking on an extremely dangerous voluntary challenger in Lara.
The 24-year-old was known for his supreme power at 126 pounds, having already delivered the bruising first loss of Warrington’s career via knockout, back in 2021.
Warrington told The Sporting News earlier this week that Lara’s power was overrated, however, as he looked forward to fighting the winner of Saturday night’s clash in the East Midlands.
That winner was Lara, who ultimately proved the ‘Leeds Warrior’ wrong by blasting his opponent to the canvas for the fourth victory in succession. It didn’t come easy, though.
Wood began brighter, then suffered a cut above his left eye and convincingly lost round two. In shades of last year’s all-out war with Michael Conlan in this arena, the local lad bounced back and was happy to trade blows in an entertaining scrap. The difference this time was that Wood sat clearly ahead on the judges’ scorecards after six rounds, such was his dominance.
WATCH: Leigh Wood, Josh Warrington and the rest of the Matchroom roster on DAZN
Then came the devastating seventh, in which ‘Bronco’ launched a colossal left hook in the dying embers to knock down Wood. The defending champion returned to his feet and the referee was ready to continue, but trainer Ben Davison saved his fighter for another day by throwing in the towel.
Reflecting on that moment in a joyous locker room, Lara said: “It was a shot we worked on in the gym numerous times. It’s a good shot of mine. Bit by bit, we were working in the fight and by the seventh we managed to, thank God, find that shot.
“At no point did we feel it was out of control. At no point did he truly hurt me. There was no point where I had to wince or go down or receive a count from the referee. We knew he was heavy-handed, but we also prepared for his heavy hands.
“I don’t disrespect him, but we just felt better than him. We knew that he was a great champion, and we have to give him credit for taking the fight, but we managed to do our own thing tonight and come away victorious.”
Wood’s fairytale reign comes to an end at the second defence, but promoter Eddie Hearn did reveal in the ring post-fight that there is a rematch clause in place, and the man himself naturally claimed he would take that opportunity.
If he fails to rip the strap back from arguably the most feared quantity in the division — or even if he just needs some extra recovery time or a tune-up fight — Lara’s eyes will be on a trilogy clash with Warrington.
Since their rematch in the cauldron of Headingley Stadium ended in a no-contest thanks to a cut to Lara, which seemed to be caused by headbutts from the Brit, the relationship between the pair has become extremely spiky.
It plummeted to new depths in Nottingham, with verbal blows exchanged as Warrington sat ringside and Lara threatened to jump the rope before both men were held back.
Warrington accused the newly-crowned titleholder of spitting at him — a particularly horrifying action in British sports. With a beaming smile, Lara confirmed: “Yes!”
He went on to reinforce his desire to end Warrington’s career: “Yes, there was a clash there. We got face to face. It’s very, very personal between us. I want to retire him from boxing.”
Once he wraps up unfinished business in the UK — where he has now experienced two of the most hostile atmospheres around — ‘Bronco’ has goals based a lot closer to home.
Lara concluded: “There’s lots of things I want to do. I want to be a solid champion, but right now I want to spend some time with my family. Whatever my representatives say, let’s do it.
“Of course, I’d love to do [have an all-Mexican title fight]. I’m a boxer that gives absolutely everything, that throws bombs. If that fight presents itself, let’s do it.
“To be honest, [becoming a star in the US is] what I would like. It would be about creating a future for myself and my family, to become a star, to become the best at 126 pounds. It’s going to be difficult to maintain that level, but I would be delighted if I can go and do that.”
WATCH: Leigh Wood, Josh Warrington and the rest of the Matchroom roster on DAZN