In a highly anticipated rematch, WBA Featherweight Champion Mauricio “Bronco” Lara and former champion Leigh “Leigh-thal” Wood are set to renew their rivalry at the prestigious O2 Arena in London on May 27. With redemption on the line for Wood and Lara looking to solidify his dominance, this showdown promises fireworks and an opportunity for both fighters to put the featherweight division on notice.
The first encounter between Wood and Lara delivered a tremendous upset as Wood held the lead on all three judges’ scorecards. Lara, a relatively unknown Mexican boxer before knocking out former featherweight champion Josh Warrington in 2021, shocked the boxing world once again with a stunning seventh-round knockout victory over Wood. Displaying his raw power and relentless determination, Lara dismantled Wood in the ring, halting his undefeated streak and taking his belt in front of his home crowd. This loss was a bitter pill to swallow for Wood, who now seeks redemption and a chance to avenge his defeat.
It seems like Promoter Eddie Hearn’s pattern of matching his British fighters against Mexican adversaries created a captivating narrative. These matchups have consistently produced electrifying performances and jaw-dropping upsets, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the Wood-Lara rematch. The Wood vs. Lara rematch falls perfectly in line with this trend, adding another chapter to the compelling narrative of British fighters facing Mexican warriors.
The 25-year-old Mexico City native looks to continue his knockout streak and have his mere name cause terror amongst all UK fighters and their fans.
“Leigh Wood, this is your worst nightmare coming to Manchester,” said Lara. “I’m coming to knock you out again.”
BRONCO IS COMING 🇲🇽😤 @bronco_lara pic.twitter.com/MedD6Tqosg
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) May 24, 2023
Meanwhile, the 34-year-old former champion promises to become a two-time champion and avenge his loss.
Win at all costs 😡 @itsLeighWood #LaraWood2 live on DAZN pic.twitter.com/NyD7hY0iPJ
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) May 24, 2023
“I’m getting my belt back. It’s a must-win”
Wood ultimately wants to accomplish what his countryman Warrington couldn’t; to avenge his loss and put an end to the trend of unknown Mexican fighters defeating them in home soil. While he previously displayed effective aggression against Xu Can and one-punch knockout power sending Michael Conlan out of the ring, Wood’s best plan against Lara is to not engage and simply jab and move out of Lara’s reach.
Wood and Lara both enter the ring with a point to prove. Wood, fueled by the desire to avenge his defeat, will demonstrate improved tactics and a renewed focus. He must carefully time Lara and maintain his distance from the heavy hitter to avoid another knockout loss. However, Lara, riding the wave of confidence from his remarkable victory, will not be an easy opponent to overcome. While Wood will show tremendous heart and determination, I expect Lara’s power and relentless aggression will once again pose significant challenges. The Mexican fighter’s ability to capitalize on openings and deliver devastating blows will keep Wood on high alert throughout the bout.
Ultimately, this rematch has all the ingredients for a fight that will have fans at the edge of their seat as Wood likely outboxes Lara until he makes a mistake Lara will definitely make him regret. While Wood’s resilience cannot be underestimated, my prediction leans towards Lara to emerge victorious once again, likely by late-round stoppage, leaving the UK Boxing Twitter to say the usual lines of, “He gave it a go, mate.”
