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Lara Says Wood Has No Right To Be Champion – Wants To Retire Warrington

Written by Kerr Ferguson on 23rd October 2022.

Leigh Wood, Mauricio Lara And Josh Warrington

Mauricio Lara produced yet another knockout victory this weekend, and immediately took to calling out his British rivals.

It was in the 3rd round that ‘Bronco’ defeated Jose Sanmartin at Plaza de Toros in Mexico City. It’s his second stoppage victory in a row since his hugely unsatisfying draw with Josh Warrington after a clash of heads caused a cut above the Mexican slugger’s eye.

The draw finished a rematch following Lara sensationally knocking Warrington out in February 2021. Unfortunately for him, there was no title on the line, as the Leeds man had vacated his IBF belt months prior.

Although the hometown show will do well to boost Lara’s spirits, his featherweight campaign remains a frustrating one. A recently scheduled fight with Leigh Wood for the Nottingham fighter’s WBA Regular title was cancelled due to an injury on Wood’s part. Pair that the draw with Warrington, and the Mexican has unfinished business on British shores.

Following his victory, DAZN asked him who he wanted to face next.

“Both of them. With Warrington it’s become something very personal, and for Wood, he doesn’t have the right to call himself the champion.”

“He [Wood] said that he was hurt. I saw various stories places like on Instagram, and it looks like it’s not true.”

“I want to face Josh Warrington … I want to retire him from boxing.”

There’s no doubt that Lara is a danger in the division, and a fight with either Wood or Warrington would be a huge test for the British fighters – one neither of them seem to want to shy away from.

Having said that, Wood looks set to get a shot at Leo Santa Cruz’ WBA Super title next whilst Warrington will defend his regained IBF belt against Luis Alberto Lopez in Leeds on December 10. For Lara, some more waiting may be required before a well-deserved title shot.