Repeat or revenge? Who wins in the Josh Warrington vs Mauricio Lara rematch?
Mauricio Lara (22-2, 15 KOs) and Josh Warrington (30-1, 7 KOs) will rematch in an epic showdown at Emerald Headingley Stadium on Saturday September 4, live worldwide on DAZN.
‘The Leeds Warrior’ was floored and ruthlessly finished by Mexico’s Lara in a sensational knockout loss at The SSE Arena, Wembley in February 2021, that put a massive dent in the former IBF Featherweight World Champion’s unification plans. Warrington endured a stunning upset defeat as he was dropped and nearly stopped in the fourth round before ‘Bronco’ sent him crashing to the canvas again in the ninth to end the 30-year-old’s unbeaten record.
Now, the Leeds favourite will get a chance to right the wrong, this time in front of a capacity crowd roaring him on, but will he succeed this time around? BBN asked their panel of experts for their view:
Jamie Speight
Three-time Southern Area champion
"An interesting matchup and very brave of Josh to jump right back in.
There are so many different aspects to this rematch, starting with both fighters mental states – one has had to hit rock bottom, first defeat in devastating fashion, while one is riding high on the crest of a wave after going from being a stepping stone fighter to beating an undefeated world champion, so he knows he can hurt Josh, so mentally that could be a big difference.
I do believe Josh missed the buzz of the crowd and they will lift him a notch or two, he has the rowdiest, most passionate fans in the world of boxing; he really has started something huge up in the north. I feel Josh will box a lot better than previously and there will be some testing moments for both fighters, but you cannot take a man's power away, so I can never right Lara off.
I hope Josh can get through the tough times and use his boxing IQ to see it out, but it’s hard to bet against the intense, tough and resilient style of Lara. You can be the worst fighter in the world with a terrible style but with that sort of power it only takes a momentary lapse of concentration and it could be over.
All the best of luck to Josh, I hope you pulls it off."
Arijan Goricki
Croatian featherweight prospect
"My thoughts is that Warrington was looking for future fights and overlooked Lara. This time Warrington will be more determined and focused on the task ahead.
I see a UD by Warrington."
Tim Rickson
BBN Editor
"The result of the first fight was a huge shock to everyone. Lara was an unknown fighter, who had never fought outside of his local area before, never fought for a title, had two losses on his ledger already… there were just so many factors that led to Warrington and all of us fight fans mistakingly overlook him that night.
I remember straight after the fight believing that were a few reasons that led to Warrington's defeat, such as overlooking his opponent, the lack of crowd spurring him on etc. Although I do think he will be refreshed and better than the last fight, I also belive that he will feel the power from the Mexican again, especially with his busy style sitting on the chest of his opponents.
I'm hopeful for a points win from Josh, but I feel that Lara's confidence, knowing he has his number and the power to hurt him, that a big shot will land and trouble Josh again. I'll go with a Warrington points win, but I'll be fearful of another Lara stoppage all the way throught the contest."
Jack Hughes
Southern Area title contender
"I feel like Warrington really should have had a comeback fight before jumping straight into a rematch. After facing a loss that brutal I felt he just needed a warm up fight to correct mistakes, get the feel again and to wash away the nerves which are going to be very high on the night of the rematch. Lara is going to be dangerous through out the fight but other than that i don’t feel like he possesses much else, his boxing skills are pretty poor and Warrington did show that for the first round or two. Having said all that I do believe that Warrington will get the Job done this time around but it is a hard one to call. I’ll go with Warrington UD."
Kofi Donker
Unbeaten super-lightweight prospect
"I want Warrington to win and set up big fights with Galahad, Dickens and Wood, but this Mexican might just have his number."
Mick Kane
Boxing Writer
"Looking forward to this one, to see if it was an off night from Warrington. I suspect it was, he didn't look his usual self in the fight, seemed subdued. I think having a crowd will raise his game, and trying to avenge his defeat, I reckon we will see a strong performance from Josh."
Ben Day
Former Southern Area champion
"It takes a big person to come back and have a rematch with the person that stopped them.
I think he can beat Mauricio with a high work rate."
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