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Boxing Preview: Leigh Wood (26-2-0, 16 KO’s) vs Mauricio Lara (28-2-1, 18 KO’s)

On Saturday, February 18, hometown hero Leigh Wood will fight big-punching Mexican Mauricio Lara, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Australia and New Zealand), to defend his WBA Featherweight World Title. Matchroom Boxing’s 2023 schedule in the UK is set to get off to a rousing start at the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham. To buy tickets, go to this link!

In the 12th and final round of his epic first defense of the WBA 126lbs title in March 2022, “Leigh-thal” (26-2 KOs) memorably stopped Michael Conlan. He brutally knocked the Irishman out of the ring to end their Fight of the Year stunner.

The Forest-mad Featherweight was heavily dropped in the first round and appeared to be headed for his third professional loss before fighting back brilliantly to earn a brilliant victory that will be talked about for a long time.

When is the wood versus. FIGHT LARA?
Date: Date: Saturday, February 18 Main event ringwalks (approximately): 7 p.m. GMT / 2 p.m. ET The fight will take place at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham, England, at 10:49 p.m. GMT/5:49 p.m. ET.
Over 200 nations will be able to watch the card live on DAZN (with the exception of Australia and New Zealand).
The main event ringwalks are scheduled for 10 p.m. GMT/5 p.m. ET, and the event is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. GMT/2 p.m. ET.

After former “Super Champion” Leo Santa Cruz gave up his title on Monday, December 12, Wood is now the only Featherweight Champion in the World Boxing Association. The 34-year-old wants to add more World Titles to his collection immediately in 2023.

After their highly anticipated fight on September 24 was postponed due to Wood’s torn bicep during sparring, “Bronco” (25-2-1, 18 KOs) has been patiently waiting for his chance to fight Wood. However, the Featherweight KO artist will finally get the chance to fight for the World Title next month.

After shocking and brutally finishing Josh Warrington in a sensational upset behind closed doors at The SSE Arena, Wembley in February 2021, Lara is well-known in the UK. He ended the IBF Featherweight World Champion’s streak of victories.

Seven months later, he rematched Warrington in front of a sold-out Headingley Stadium in Leeds, but the Mexican got a nasty cut over the left eye in round two from an accidental headbutt, forcing a technical draw.

On the undercard of Roman Gonzalez vs. Julio Cesar Martinez in March 2022, the power-punching 24-year-old blitzed Emilio Sanchez in three rounds before stopping Jose Sanmartin in three rounds in another destructive brute force display to put the 126 pounds division on notice.

Wood stated, “Mauricio Lara’s disrespect he showed me regarding my injury and my country has made things personal between us.” I’m going to demonstrate to him what I stand for. See you in Nottingham on February 18 – And Still!”

Lara stated, “I am not going to waste this opportunity, which I have been waiting for for two years.” I defeated Warrington in England in February 2021, and in 2023, I will accomplish the same feat against Wood. Mexico will win the WBA 126-pound World Title, which I promised to my daughter, family, team, and entire nation. Leigh Wood, your time has come, and no “injury” can prevent you from this.

Eddie Hearn, chairman of Matchroom Sport, stated, “Quite simply this is a fight that you have to watch through your fingers.” Leigh Wood is about to bring another night of drama to the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham against the brutal, fearless, and much-ignored Mauricio Lara, following the drama of the fight with Conlan in March. In the summer, Leigh will fight at the City Ground, but first, get ready for an epic main event and all-action card as we prepare for another FOTY contender on February 18 in Nottingham.

Joe Markowski, CEO of DAZN North America, stated, “What a fight this is to kick off the Matchroom UK schedule in 2023.” I can’t wait for February 18 because Wood and Lara can’t do anything but engage in brutal, toe-to-toe, edge-of-your-seat battles. DAZN is the only place to watch this barnstormer live.

WOOD VS. LARA FIGHT CARD
Leigh Wood vs. Mauricio Lara; For Wood’s WBA world featherweight title
Dalton Smith vs. Billy Allington; For Smith’s British super lightweight title
Cheavon Clarke vs. Dec Spelman; Cruiserweight
Gary Cully vs. Wilfredo Flores; Lightweight
Gamal Yafai vs. Diego Alberto Ruiz; Super bantamweight
Aaron Bowen vs. TBA; Middleweight
Junaid Boston vs. Joel Julio; Light middleweight
Kieron Conway vs. Jorge Silva; Super middleweight
Nico Leivars vs. Alberto Motos; Super bantamweight
Sam Maxwell vs. Shaun Cooper; Super lightweight

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