Mauricio Lara may not be welcome in the UK anymore.
The Mexican heavyweight, who let Josh Warrington lose his first fight by knockout two years ago in Leeds, stopped home boxer and reigning WBA featherweight champion Leigh Wood with a single left hook in seventh inning on Saturday at Nottingham.
Thus, Lara (26-2-1, 19 KOs) became the world champion for the first time.
“Becoming a world champion has been a dream I’ve had since I was eight years old,” Lara said through an interpreter. “… Leigh Wood is a great champion, he hits hard, he’s a smart boxer. I am absolutely delighted tonight.”
LARA Defeats LEIGH WOOD pic.twitter.com/cudlvzvOWR
– Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) February 18, 2023
Wood (26-3, 16 KOs) is about to have the biggest win of his career, 12order-eliminating Irish athlete Michael Conlan in the Match of the Year 2022 last March, a match that earned him a lot of respect around the world.
And he was in the process of building that momentum on Saturday, as he seemed to control the fight until the final moments even though he was knocked down in the opening round.
Wood couldn’t miss with his right shot, whether he threw it at Lara’s head or body. He also made left hooks during the match that was seen as an impressive defense of his cherished title.
Lara can also land at times – including some sharp hits that remind people of his strength – but he can’t match Wood’s all-round skills or working speed. That’s why Boxing Junkie gave Wood five of the first six innings.
Then everything changed in an instant. The two were exchanging punches when Lara connected with a perfect left hook into Wood’s chin about 20 seconds before the end of Round 7, causing him to fall and severely injure himself.
Wood was able to get up but his legs were wobbly. However, it looks like referee Michael Alexander will allow the game to continue. However, Wood’s coach, Ben Davison, didn’t like what he saw from his boxer and ended the bout immediately.
The official stoppage time was 2:54, with just six seconds left before half time ended.
Wood, emotional afterwards, was asked if he thought he could continue.
“I am a warrior,” he said. “I want to go until I can’t see anymore. Congratulations Lala. He is an excellent warrior. I made a mistake, and I paid for it.”
A rematch clause in the contract for the match gave Wood the right to shoot Lara a second time. And both men’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, after the game, hinted that his countryman would exercise the selection either immediately or soon.
Lara, who was deeply emotional, said he wanted more than he earned on Saturday when asked what might happen next.
“I want more belts, I want as many as possible,” he said. “That decision is up to Eddie Hearn.”
