Mauricio Lara has been stripped of his WBA featherweight title after failing to gain weight by nearly four pounds ahead of his epic rematch with Leigh Wood
- Mauricio Lara was stripped of his featherweight title after losing weight
- The Mexican weighed 129.8 pounds, which is 3.9 pounds heavier than Leigh Wood
- The WBA featherweight title is now vacant, meaning only Wood can claim the belt
Mauricio Lara has been stripped of his WBA featherweight title after failing to make weight ahead of his rematch with Leigh Wood.
The Mexican weighed 129.8 pounds, which is 3.9 pounds heavier than Wood, who weighed 129.8 pounds.
Following the news, the British Boxing Board of Control ruled it would not be safe for Lara to try and hit the featherweight limit of 126 pounds.
Despite the drama, the pair are still set to face off this weekend. A win for Wood over Lara will see the Englishman reclaim the title.
However, if Wood loses or draws against “Bronco”, the belt will remain vacant.
Mauricio Lara was stripped of his featherweight title after losing weight today
The WBA featherweight title is now vacant, meaning only Wood can claim the belt this weekend
The WBA’s statement on the matter reads: ‘Mauricio Lara has lost the World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight belt after being unable to make weight today. However, Leigh Wood will be able to opt for the title.
Wood will be out for revenge this weekend after the first outing in February.
Lara produced a sensational seventh-round knockout earlier this year to win the title.
Wood led in the early rounds before the Mexican dropped a dymanite left hook from the jaws of defeat to stun the Nottingham crowd.
Although the fight is likely to go ahead, Ben Davison, Wood’s trainer, has indicated he may pull his man out of the fight.
Hearn issued a statement to match boxing providing an update on the situation, saying: “For the past two days the British Boxing Board of Control were unhappy with Lara’s weight at the time.”
“They then decided that Lara could not weigh less than 128.5 pounds on the scale. Leigh Wood is cleared to make championship weight and can fight for the world title on Saturday night. Leigh Wood is on weight, ready and healthy and is focusing on this situation to become world champion.
“Mauricio Lara will be angry and frustrated and he will want to emerge victorious on Saturday night but ultimately nothing will change for Leigh Wood and victory will see him become a double world champion in Manchester.”
Mexican Mauricio Lara won first fight via seventh round to claim WBA featherweight title
Lara, 24, poses with the WBA featherweight world title belt after beating Wood
After the Mexican failed to make championship weight, Davison wondered whether or not the fight should go ahead.
“Actually it shouldn’t be happening, it’s a shame,” Davison said.
“I have nothing against Mauricio Lara but it’s a mess. We heard about his weight while Leigh is at championship weight. We will have to go and talk about the situation because he is a dangerous fighter anyway .
“I know he had to struggle to get where he is, but Leigh’s motivation is to become a double world champion.” We had heard about the situation where he missed the weight check, but by the time we knew it was too late. I could have told Leigh not to fight for the title and to refuel, but he gained weight this morning.
