Leigh Wood will defend his WBA featherweight title against Mauricio Lara on February 18 in Nottingham, England. Previously, the bout, which shapes up as a slugfest between two aggressive fighters, was scheduled for September before Wood suffered a torn biceps while sparring. Late on, Wood defended the 126-pound title with a thrilling 12th-round Boxing odds knockout of Michael Conlan in February. The bout was named ESPN’s Fight of the Year and KO of the Year. Wood, 34, was floored in Round 1 but rallied to send Conlan through the ropes for the brutal finish.
WBA Featherweight Title Leigh Wood vs. Mauricio Lara Boxing Odds
| Date and Time: | Saturday, February 18, 2023 |
|---|---|
| Location: | Nottingham, United Kingdom |
| TV Coverage: | DAZN |
Wood vs. Lara Odds
| Boxer | Odds |
|---|---|
| Leigh Wood | +210 |
| Mauricio Lara | -290 |
Wood vs. Lara SBG Odds Overview
On Saturday, in the same Nottingham ring, Wood defends against Mauricio Lara. Certainly, it is one of those rare fights with a guarantee of excitement. Instead of just the expectation. Also, it is a fight that demands both boxers take ridiculous risks to leave the ring as the winner. It is true that the fight might last less than a round. But it will still be a classic.
Mauricio Lara, age 24, is ranked #2 in the world. In sum, Lara has a career online betting record is 25-2-1. He has 18 knockout wins and one knockout loss in his career. Lara is a native of Mexico with an orthodox stance.
Meanwhile, Leigh Wood, age 34, is ranked #5 in the world. Wood has a career record of 26 wins and two losses. Specifically, Wood has 16 knockout wins and one knockout loss in his career.
Wood vs. Lara Fight Preview
Last time it was a raucous atmosphere in Nottingham. Now Leigh Wood will return home for his second Boxing odds title defense. Leo Santa Cruz, who hadn’t defended his WBA title since 2019, relinquished the belt in December. Concurrently, Wood will fight as a full-fledged champion for the first time.
Wood said Mauricio Lara has made things personal, what he called disrespect that he showed him regarding his injury and country. Overall, Wood is ESPN’s No. 7 featherweight. Wood vowed that he would show Lara what he was all about.
While the Englishman recovered from the biceps injury, Lara stayed busy. To show, Lara won a third-round KO of journeyman Jose Sanmartin in October in his hometown, Mexico City.
Mauricio Lara is no stranger to fighting on the road in England. To illuminate, he broke out in February 2021 with an upset victory over Josh Warrington. And then the rematch seven months later in Leeds resulted in a two-round no contest due to a clash of heads. Lara said that he has been waiting for this opportunity for two years. And that he is not going to waste it. Also, Lara is ESPN’s No. 2 featherweight. Lara vowed that the WBA 126-pound world title would go to Mexico. He said he promised his daughter, family, team, and country. He said that Wood’s time has come and that no ‘injury’ can save him from this.
Lara vs. Wood SBG Free Pick
Certainly, Wood will undoubtedly have to survive some tough moments in a truly unforgettable fight to keep his title. Lara is not just a dangerous fighter. He may very well be a lot more than that.
Lara vs. Wood SBG Free Pick: Mauricio Lara.