Leigh Wood To Leave It All In The Ring Against Mauricio Lara In September

WBA Featherweight world champion Leigh Wood (26-2, 16 KOs) will defend his title against Mauricio Lara at Motorpoint Arena Nottingham on Saturday (September 24),

Wood secured a memorable victory against Michael Conlan in the final round, which was his first title defense of the WBA 126lbs title back in March.

“I maybe have a handful of fights left and I want them to be my biggest,” said Wood.

“I want to be tested. I’m filling arenas now and I want to keep that momentum going. Every fight should be a step forward, not backward. Mauricio Lara is dangerous but high-risk high reward, I’m confident I can do what Josh Warrington couldn’t do and get the job done.”

On the other hand, Lara is also coming into this fight on the back of a stunning upset win against Josh Warrington at The SSE Arena, Wembley in February 2021, which ended the unbeaten record of the 31-year-old.

“I’m very excited,” said Lara.

“This is the opportunity that I have worked so hard for and I am not going to miss it. I am aware that Leigh Wood is a great fighter, but no one is going to take away the possibility of me becoming a World Champion. I’m going to England for the third time and it’s like I’m fighting at home.”

The winner of this bout must go on to face the winner of Leo Santa Cruz vs Rey Vargas, according to the WBA. This is required due to their title reduction campaign.