Mauricio Lara was stripped of his WBA featherweight title after failing to gain weight before his rematch showdown with Leigh Wood.
The Mexican weighed 129.8 pounds, making him 3.9 pounds heavier than Wood, who weighed 129.8 pounds.
Following the news, the British Boxing Board of Control ruled that it was not safe for Lara to reach the 126lb featherweight limit.
Despite the drama, the two are still set to go head-to-head this weekend. A win by Wood over Lara would bring the title back to the Englishman.
However, should Wood lose to “Bronco” or draw, 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 win the belt this weekend
The WBA statement in this regard states: “Mauricio Lara has lost the World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight belt because he was unable to gain weight today.” However, Leigh Wood can opt for the title.”
After his first outing in February, Wood will be out for revenge this weekend.
Lara scored a sensational knockout in the seventh round earlier this year and secured the title.
Wood led the opening rounds before the Mexican unleashed a dymanistic left hook from the jaws of defeat, stunning the Nottingham crowd.
While the fight is likely to continue, Ben Davison, Wood’s trainer, hinted that he might pull his man out of the fight.
Hearn released a statement on the matter Matchroom boxes gave an update on the situation, saying: “In the last few days the British Boxing Board of Control has not been happy with Lara’s weight at the time.”
“Then they decided that Lara can’t weigh less than 50 kilograms on the scale.” Leigh Wood gets to do championship weight and can fight for the world title on Saturday night. Leigh Wood has gained weight, is ready and healthy and in this situation is focused on becoming world champion.
“Mauricio Lara will be angry and frustrated and want to emerge victorious on Saturday night but ultimately nothing will change for Leigh Wood and the win will make him a two-time world champion in Manchester.”
Mexican Mauricio Lara won the first fight in a seventh round to capture the WBA featherweight title
24-year-old Lara poses with the WBA featherweight world title belt after defeating Wood
After the Mexican’s failure to reach championship weight, Davison wondered if the fight should actually happen or not.
“Realistically, that shouldn’t be happening, it’s a shame,” Davison said.
“I have nothing against Mauricio Lara, but it’s a disaster.” We heard about his weight while Leigh is championship weight. We have to go away and talk about the situation because he’s a dangerous fighter anyway.
“I know he too had to struggle to get there, but Leigh’s motivation is to be a two-time world champion.” We had heard about the situation where he missed the control weight, but by the time we knew it was too late was. I could have said Leigh isn’t fighting for the title and is refueling, but he did it this morning.”
