All may not be lost in Josh Warrington’s hopes to have his rematch against Mauricio Lara outdoors this summer at Headingley.
The former IBF featherweight champion’s career was dealt a crushing blow when the Mexican underdog brutally stopped Warrington in the 9th round of their fight back in February. After some initial time off to let his injuries heal, it was strongly speculated that the Yorkshireman would get a rematch against Lara with Headingley Rugby Stadium, home to Leeds Rhinos, tipped to host the 32nd fight of Warrington’s career.
The city’s council scuppered those plans denying the licence application to stage the event. The council cited the late finish to Matchroom’s boxing show as a concern and doubled up their fears arguing that the potential crowd of 25,000 could ‘take over’ the residential area at a time of night which would disturb locals.
However, Warrington’s promoter Eddie Hearn hasn’t given up the fight just yet.
“We’re trying to do that fight at Headingley, the home of Leeds Rhinos, but there is a couple of complaints to an application of which we’re trying to deal with in an appeal,” he explained.
“I think it’s very disappointing. We’ve got a chance here to bring a major, major sporting event back to Leeds, full capacity at the end of August, early September and we’re not given the opportunity to do so. So, we’re appealing that ruling. [We’re] speaking to Leeds United as well but Josh Warrington will rematch Mauricio Lara at the end of this summer.”
For more Matchroom news you can watch the rest of Eddie Hearn’s latest video chat on our Boxing Social YouTube channel by clicking this link.
Main image: Dave Thompson