Fight Preview
The Motorpoint Arena Nottingham will host the opening bout of Matchroom Boxing’s 2023 UK program on Saturday, February 18, when hometown favorite Leigh Wood challenges Mexican powerhouse Mauricio Lara for the WBA Featherweight World Championship.
On his first defense since being promoted from his prior WBA “Regular” featherweight title reign, Wood tipped the official British Boxing Board of Control scale at the featherweight limit of 126 pounds. Lara, a boxer from Mexico City, was also 126 pounds, allaying any worries that the first-time championship challenger was having trouble staying in shape.
Following a quick shove and an intense on-stage staredown as both boxers fought for position in front of the cameras. The small altercation was swiftly settled because both parties agreed to save their strength for Saturday. When asked for a prediction by host David Diamante, Lara said, “Knockout.” First place, new champion!
Let’s check the latest picks, Boxing news, stats and Boxing expert picks for Wood vs Lara. We’ve plenty of Boxing predictions for you to consider.
49 weeks have passed since Wood and Michael Conlan’s memorable thriller in Belfast. Conlan was sent through the ropes and out of the ring halfway through the 12th and final round of what BoxingScene.com named the 2022 Fight of the Year after Wood overcame an opening round knockdown and a scorecard disadvantage to floor him.
Lara is about to make his third journey to the UK and is unbeaten in his last 15 starts. Two years ago, almost to the day of his first title defense, the hot-rod contender made a splash by stopping Josh Warrington, who was unbeaten at the time, in the ninth round. In Leeds, the home of Warrington, their rematch from September 2021 came to a disappointing conclusion when a head-on collision cut Lara, who ringside doctors considered too hurt to continue.
Lara amassed two third-round knockout victories in the interim period preceding the title bout on Saturday. The most recent occurred when José Sanmartin was attacked on October 22 in his native Mexico City. The match was a consolation prize as Lara and Wood’s scheduled fight for September 24 had to be postponed due to Wood’s torn biceps.
Leigh Wood vs Mauricio Lara Fight Information
- Date: 02/18/2023
- Time: 05:00 PM ET
- Location: Motorpoint Arena Nottingham.
- How to Watch Wood vs Lara: ESPN+
- Live Stream: sho.com
Wood vs Lara Betting Lines
Lara is –260 according to our Vegas Boxing Lines. This means that if you wager $100 you have the chance to win $38.46. On the other side, Wood is +210 according to the Vegas Boxing Lines. This means that if you wager $100 you have the chance to win $210.
The implied probability for these two teams attached to the betting lines have Lara at a 72.22% chance of winning the game, meanwhile Wood have 32.26% probability of finishing the game with the W.
Sign-up at BetUS TODAY and get 125% BONUS. Use the Promo Code BETUSTV125. Terms and Conditions apply.
