Leigh Wood will defend his WBA World Featherweight title against hard-hitting Mexican, Mauricio Lara.
The event, which is set for September 24 at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham, will host two other world title fights. Scotland’s Hannah Rankin will defend her super-welterweight titles against Terri Harper, and Maxi Hughes puts his IBO Lightweight belt on the line against Kid Galahad.
The main event pits two men known for their power against each other. Wood, who will be fighting in his hometown for the second time in a row, produced a staggering 12th round knockout in his last outing. The punch sent Michael Conlan through the ropes, putting a full stop on one of the fights of the year.
He told DAZN that what was left of his career was going to be high-risk.
“I maybe have a handful of fights left and I want them to be my biggest. 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 backwards. 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.”
Lara last blasted out Emilio Sanchez but will perhaps be better known amongst UK fans for beating Josh Warrington inside the distance. His fast and fierce work had the Leeds man staggering throughout the fight before a vicious left hook put him down for good in the 9th. The performance marked his arrival as a danger man in the division.
In his rematch with Warrington, a cut above Lara’s eye forced the ref to call an early halt to proceedings with a technical draw being the official result. Many will think that this shot at a world title is more than deserved for the Mexican.
The championship triple header will be broadcast in the UK on DAZN, included in the regular subscription price.