Josh Warrington’s make-or-break fight against Mauricio Lara looks set to take place on September 4.
ESPN reporter Mike Coppinger broke the news yesterday and believes the featherweight rematch will take place at Headingley Stadium in Leeds.
Warrington lost his unbeaten record back in February when Lara produced one of the upsets of the year stopping the ‘Leeds Warrior’ in nine rounds. That night at Wembley Arena was a disastrous one for Warrington who was making his return to Eddie Hearn, Matchroom and Sky Sports after leaving Frank Warren’s promotional outfit.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has since done a deal with sports streaming app DAZN to broadcast all of Matchroom’s fights. Warrington v Lara 2 will feature Katie Taylor defending her undisputed lightweight crown in the chief support slot.
“It’s the only fight this man wants,” Hearn told Matchroom media a few weeks ago while stood next to Warrington in Newcastle at Matchroom’s Lewis Ritson-Jeremias Ponce card.
“Massive big show. We want to go to States, but we’ve got to get this win back on the road. September 4 let’s have it!” said Warrington at the time.
Hearn had encountered some problems with Leeds City Council earlier in the year after they refused a licence application to stage the show at Headingley Stadium. In the weeks since Hearn has turned things around regarding that matter and it appears the outdoor event with a five-figure crowd will go ahead in September.
The return fight is seen as a massive risk for Warrington by many. Lara appeared to have little trouble cutting through his opponent back in February and took the best that the former IBF champion had to offer on the night. The ending was brutal and catastrophic for Warrington and will now put his career on the line against the hard-hitting Mexican who won’t be catching anyone by surprise this time.
Main image: Dave Thompson