Wood’s remarkable rise to become a boxing superstar has been truly awe-inspiring. Starting from humble beginnings of fighting in local leisure centres, he has now progressed to headline major arena fights in his hometown. He is confident that his familiarity with the venue will give him an edge in the upcoming match.
Leigh Wood
Leigh Wood heads into the fight as the defending WBA featherweight champion, a title he has held since 2021.
This fight is a voluntary defence, so Wood has chosen to fight Lara and not wait for a mandatory defence. Fans of the sport have come to admire Wood’s relentless determination. Despite setbacks from defeats against fellow Britons James ‘Jazza’ Dickens and Gavin McDonnell, many had already given up on his dream of winning a world title. However, Wood remained steadfast in his unwavering self-belief, refusing to be deterred by the naysayers.
Eddie Hearn, the promoter for Matchroom Boxing, praised Wood and Davison for specifically requesting Lara as a voluntary defense opponent, despite his reputation as one of the most formidable punchers in the division. Wood earned the title of full WBA champion in December, following Leo Santa Cruz’s relinquishment of the title.
Although there were other contenders that could have posed an easier challenge, Hearn suggested former world champion Kiko Martinez as a potential opponent.
🥊 Leigh Wood Boxing Record 🥊
Total Fights: 28
- Wins: 26
- Losses: 2
Method of Victory for Wins
- Knockout: 16
- Decision: 10
Method of Victory for Losses
- Knockout: 1
- Decision: 1
Mauricio Lara
Despite his intimidating demeanour inside the ring, Lara appeared calm and composed prior to his first world-title bout. In February of the previous year, the relatively unknown featherweight dealt former world champion Josh Warrington his first career loss, securing a ninth-round stoppage and instantly elevating himself to global boxing stardom.
Lara has made a firm commitment to winning by knockout in the upcoming match as well.
Although Lara appears to be laser-focused and self-assured, it’s possible that his unwavering confidence could prove to be his undoing. Despite Lara’s formidable reputation, Wood has demonstrated impressive fortitude and is currently on a successful streak. Furthermore, Wood may be a more skilled fighter than many give him credit for, while Lara may have some limitations that have gone overlooked.
🥊 Mauricio Lara Boxing Record 🥊
Total Fights: 28
- Wins: 25
- Losses: 27
- Draws: 1
Method of Victory for Wins
- Knockout: 18
- Decision: 1
Method of Victory for Losses
- Knockout: 1
- Decision: 1
TWV Sport Team Thoughts
Although Wood and Lara are both known for their impressive knockout abilities, they are not without their weaknesses. In his previous fight, Wood was knocked down in the opening round by Conlan, who is not widely considered to be a particularly powerful striker. Similarly, Lara’s propensity to launch aggressive assaults often leaves him vulnerable to counterattacks.
Saturday’s card marks the inaugural Matchroom Boxing event to take place in the United Kingdom this year, with the main event generating significant anticipation. Both fighters exude confidence and are eager to engage in battle.
On paper, the upcoming world-title bout has all the makings of an unforgettable showdown.
Match Result Prediction
✅ Leigh Wood to win.
Score Prediction
Leigh Wood, Round 10, TKO
