Boxing Social understands the fight between the WBA ‘Regular’ featherweight champion Wood Leigh and Mauricio Lara is being discussed. If the match is concluded, it will take place on September 24, in Nottingham, according to sources.
The sanctioning body ordered Wood (26-2, 16 KOs) to face off against ‘Super’ champion, Leo Santa Cruz, as part of an ongoing effort to solidify their title.
The Mexicans requested permission to unify with WBC Rey Vargas, but this proposal was rejected by the WBA.
‘El Terremoto’ insists he will not be vacating the title and that his next fight will be against the Nottingham man. However, the mandatory 75-25 split in favor of Santa Cruz didn’t go well for Wood, and as a result, his team has begun to explore other avenues, like his coach. there, Ben Davison, explained. Social boxing earlier this week: “We have some options,” he said. “Eddie’s” [Hearn] considered those options, but no decision has yet been made on Leigh Wood’s next steps. “
The bout with IBF 126lbs champion Josh Warrington was at the top of Wood’s wish list as the boxer publicly called for it on social media. However, it looks like the fight won’t come next.
According to sources, Mauricio Lara and Kiko Martinez have been raised by Matchroom as potential alternatives. Both men have faced Josh Warrington twice, with the Spaniard suffering defeat on both occasions, while Lara has a win and a draw against the Leeds man. It is understood that the Mexicans are the current leader.
Lara (24-2, 17 KOs) first stood out with a nasty win over Warrington, in February 2021. The Mexican beat ‘The Leeds Warrior’ twice before forcing the referee to stop the game. in the ninth round. A rematch held seven months later ended in a technical draw after a head-to-head clash in the second round opened a cut on Lara’s left eye, which the doctor assumed. too serious for the game to continue.
Wood’s current appearance, stopped Can Xu last year from asking for the strap. He then defended the title in a candidate of the year matchup against Michael Conlan, in March of this year.
If Wood goes up against ‘Bronco’ next, it will likely be a fan friendly between the two big boxers.
