Team Wood On Overweight Lara: “It’s A Disgrace; It’s In Absolute Shambles”

Mauricio Lara Comes in Grossly Overweight for Leigh Wood Rematch

Ben Davison unsure if Mauricio Lara vs Leigh Wood happens
Ben Davison unsure if Mauricio Lara vs Leigh Wood happens | credit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

Leigh Wood Camp Considers Pulling Out Over Mauricio Lara Being Overweight


The rematch between Mauricio Lara (26-2-1, 19 KOs) and Leigh Wood (26-3, 16KOs) is in jeopardy as Lara failed to make the 126-pound featherweight limit and has been stripped of the WBA featherweight title.

DRAMA SURROUNDING LARA

Word on the street was that Lara was having major issues and was grossly overweight. This prompted the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) to administer a weight check for Lara.

After monitoring Lara this week, they decided that it would be unsafe for the fighter from Mexico to attempt to get down to 126. The Board of Control eventually ruled that Lara could not weigh more than 128.5 pounds at the official weigh-in.

But at the morning weigh-in, Lara came in at 129.8 pounds, nearly four pounds overweight. Wood weighed 125.9.

UNDERSTANDABLY UPSET

The Wood camp is not happy about the recent developments regarding Lara. Wood’s trainer, Ben Davison, spoke to DAZN after the weigh-in, and wondered if the rematch should carry on.

“Realistically, this shouldn’t be happening, should it? It’s a disgrace, to be honest.

Nothing against Mauricio Lara and their whole team, they were respectful throughout. But it’s in absolute shambles.”

A LOT TO THINK OVER

There is a lot to unwrap. Some fans would be upset at the ruling of the British Board and claim they did not give Lara a true chance to make weight. However, their main concern is Lara’s health.

The sentiments of Davison are more than understandable. He has to serve the best interest of Wood.

Lara-Wood II would be a rematch of their February 2023 battle in which Lara stopped Wood in eight rounds to win the WBA title. Were all parties to agree to go on with the rematch as scheduled, only Wood would be able to win the WBA featherweight belt. Otherwise, the title would become vacant.

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About Mike W.1937 Articles
Mike is the host of boxing podcast "Pound 4 Pound Boxing Report" and is a Senior Writer for 3kingsboxing.com.