WBA Super World Featherweight challenge
Tonight’s Matchroom/DAZN Main Event between WBA Super Featherweight Champion Leigh Wood (26-3, 16 Kos) and Mauricio Lara (26-2-1, 19 Kos) was an entertaining bout that had the fans in attendance on their feet at the Nottingham Arena, Nottingham.
The homegrown Nottingham warrior was well prepared for this bout and proceeded to execute their respective “game plan” as the rounds progressed. I was impressed by Leigh for boxing intelligently and not shying away from Lara who I thought started slower than expected but still kept applying nonstop pressure.
Both combatants stayed true to themselves by standing their ground and exchanging some serious leather back and forth making the bout that much more intriguing as the rounds progressed.
Although I personally felt like Leigh was winning the majority of the rounds, exchanging blow for blow with Lara may not have been the best way to tackle this particular opponent.
Mauricio is known to being a tough competitor with sneaky power that can be unleashed unexpectedly if not careful.
That being said, with a competitive seventh round nearing completion Lara was able to connect and drop Leigh with a devastating well placed left hook on the chin for a quick 8 count that saw Wood rise up on his shaky legs convincing the Referee that he was still able to continue. He visibly looked out on his feet which then hastily prompted Leigh’s trainer to throw in the towel to save his fighter from absorbing any further punishment.
As upset as Leigh was with his cornerman stopping the bout, the right decision was made, Leigh was in no condition to continue.
I tip my “B” hat to Leigh Wood for taking this bout as a voluntary defense. You stepped up and took on a tough contender in your first title defense but fell short – there is no shame in your game for trying to prove the naysayers wrong.
As for Mauricio Lara, congratulations are in order. You walked into enemy territory, and silenced the crowd and snatched the belt from the Champion and are now being crowned the new WBA Super World Featherweight Champion of the World.
Well done!
Blaze
