Leigh Wood Hungers for Vengeance Against Entering Mauricio Lara WBA Title Bout
It’s rematch time between reigning WBA featherweight champion Mauricio Lara (26-2-1, 19 KOs) and the man he beat to win the belt, Leigh Wood (26-3, 16 KOs). They will face each other on May 27 at Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. Wood is seeking to turn the tables and recapture the WBA title.
The two previously fought in February 2023. Wood started strong in the early rounds. But Lara’s vaunted power came to the surface, and he stopped Wood in the eighth round to win the belt.
During an interview with the news outlet Boxing News, Wood reflected on that first meeting. The 34-year-old gave Lara his credit but said the result was just a matter of getting caught with a big shot. Instead of taking some time off, he quickly exercised his rematch clause.
TAKING CARE OF THE LITTLE THINGS
Wood has high hopes that he will win this time around. When asked what he plans to do differently, the fighter from Nottingham, England said it’s about fine-tuning aspects of his game.
“You know with me, it’s slight adjustments, which are going to make a big impact in this fight. They’re only little things, but they do make a big difference.
I do know him quite well. I don’t believe he’s going to change his style. I don’t believe he can change his style . . . I know what I need to do. I know what I can’t afford to do. I’m confident in getting the job done.”
FULLY INVESTED
Despite getting stopped in their previous fight, Wood believes he has what it takes to win. If the former champion can find a way to keep Lara at bay and avoid the hard shots, Wood feels that he has the tools to outbox the WBA champion. Fueled by vengeance, he had a final message for Lara.
“I’ve put my heart and soul into this. I’ve worked my ass off for this victory, and to Mauricio Lara . . . I’m coming to get my belt back.”
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