'The Boxing Fan Man' Anish Parekh reviews the Josh Warrington vs Mauricio Lara rematch
Anish: "What do you all think about the fight tomorrow? I'm quite intrigued by how Warrington responds."
On the cusp of taking on some of the featherweight divisions most prominent pugilists, such as Gary Russell Jr and Shakur Stephenson, Josh ‘The Leeds Warrior’ Warrington, attempted to knock off 17 months of ring rust by taking out his frustrations on the unheralded Mauricio ‘Bronco’ Lara rom Mexico.
What ensued was a shock defeat leading to observers of the sport deciphering how this crude and basic fighter, upset a world class former beltholder, who owned one of the longest undefeated streaks in boxing.
A host of explanations were offered as to how this happened. It was speculated that Warrington had overlooked his opponent – expected to make quick and easy work of him and was punished for his complacency. Some said he lacked the energy that he absorbs from his raucously loyal army of fans, leading to a rather uninspired and flat performance. There were some claims that he lacked his usual exceptional fitness, perhaps due to his lengthy inactivity.
Whilst some, or even all those factors could have played their part in his dismantling, one suggestion is conspicuous by its absence. The old boxing trope that “styles make fights”.
Warrington’s renowned for a high-octane style, his warrior mentality and solid chin that has often allowed him to overwhelm his opponents and prevail in the trenches, as displayed in his fan-friendly slugfests with Lee Selby and Carl Frampton. However, trench warfare against Lara proved to be his downfall. The various weaponry at Warrington’s disposal struggled to cause a dent in Lara’s last line of defence, however, single bombs by the Mexican were enough to cause devastating damage.
‘Bronco’ remained calm throughout the contest, and whenever Warrington attempted to sweep him away with his whirlwind of punches, he defended himself better than he was given credit for. On the occasions when the Leeds favourite succeeded with his attacks, Lara could rely on his solid chin, as he shook off the blows and continued to plough forward, bludgeoning the Yorkshireman. This was the pattern of the fight and whilst questions remain over Warrington’s power, it is difficult to envision that the rematch will be any different.
Occasionally boxers are faced with a foe that inhibit a set of skills that are kryptonite to them. Some of the greatest names in the history of the sport have been haunted by boogeymen that they couldn’t overcome. Fighters such as Iran Barkley, Junior Jones and Vernon Forrest triumphed twice over legendary opponents, Thomas Hearns, Marco Antonio Barrera and Shane Moseley. These good fighters simply had their great adversary’s number.
They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks and at 30 years old, whilst it may not be impossible for Warrington to adjust, it is unlikely that he undergoes a full boxing style makeover. He isn’t adept on the backfoot or an evasive technician that is hard to hit. A moment of truth will occur in the fight when Lara lands squarely on Warrington’s chin and his raft of supporters will collectively hold their breath, hoping that their hero can retain the strength in his legs and belief in his heart to battle on.
What makes the rematch intriguing is the benefit of the doubt. A notion that great fighters have benefited from in the past, to right the wrongs from initial contests. What if the reasons given following Lara’s victory did play a part in Warrington’s defeat? Was this a blip, caused by an amalgamation of ring-rust, complacency and Warrington’s gaze transfixed on the bright and alluring lights of famous venues in Vegas and New York? Or does Lara simply have Warrington’s number?
We will find out on Saturday night!
Follow Anish on Twitter: @theboxingfanman