Mauricio Lara Places Priority on Fighting Josh Warrington Next!
Top featherweight contender Mauricio “Bronco” Lara (24-2-1, 17KO) was in destruction mode against challenger Jose “El General” Sanmartin (33-6-1, 21KO). Bronco ran through Sanmartin in three quick rounds, leaving him with some aggression to spare. He immediately spent that calling out WBA ‘regular’ champion Leigh Wood and current IBF champion Josh Warrington.
Lara was disappointed that Wood pulled out of their fight due to injury, and decided to take out his frustration in a violent manner against Sanmartin. It was like watching a lion tossing around a baby zebra. Lara was throwing every punch with mean intentions.
LARA ISSUES AN INTENSE CALL OUT
During the post-fight interview, Bronco wasted little time going after his two rivals and explained why both fighters are in his crosshairs.
“Both of them! With Warrington, it has become something personal. For Wood, he doesn’t have the right to call himself a champion.”
When asked why Wood shouldn’t be considered a champion, Lara expressed believing that the WBA champion faked an injury.
“He said he was hurt, and I saw varies stories on Instagram that look like it’s not true.”
Lara was not done and doubled down on things being personal with Warrington when asked again who he wanted next.
“Josh Warrington! It has become something personal, and I want to retire him from boxing.”
THE HISTORY BEHIND THE WARRINGTON DISDAIN
Many inside the boxing community view Lara as an uncrowned champion. His reason for things being personal with the IBF champion stem from their first encounter, where Lara steamrolled over Warrington back in 2021.
The 24-year-old Mexican thought he was getting a shot at the title. However, Warrington dropped the belt before their fight when the IBF wouldn’t sanction a bout with then WBA ‘regular’ champion Can Xu. Furthermore, their rematch ended disappointingly when the ring doctor stopped it due to a cut from an accidental clash of heads over Lara’s left eye.
Lara has been itching for a trilogy but will have to wait to see if the IBF champion is victorious in the upcoming title defense against Luis Alberto Lopez on December 10.
By: Garrisson Bland
