The featherweight world title between Mauricio Lara and Leigh Wood received a massive stain today. The WBA world title will now only be on the line for Nottingham’s Leigh Wood, the title he lost in February against the Mexican Lara.
The weight limit of 126 pounds was considered “unsafe” for Lara to attempt by the British Boxing Board of Control ahead of the official weigh-in today in Manchester. A minimum weight limit of 128.5 pounds was given to Lara, effectively rendering the title only on the line for Wood.
Lara stripped down to his skin and bone, hitting the scales at 129.8 pounds, nearly 4 pounds off the featherweight limit.
As it stands the main event on the Matchroom promoted event goes ahead as planned. It is likely the WBA title will become vacant if Wood is not successful tonight on the DAZN broadcast.
Understandably Wood’s team are not over the moon about their adversary being nearly 4 pounds heavier.
Wood’s trainer Ben Davison told DAZN. “It’s a disgrace, to be honest. Nothing against Mauricio Lara and their whole team, they were respectful throughout. But it’s in absolute shambles.”
The belt in question has seen an ever changing waist line. Wood claimed the belt in a spectacular fight last year over Michael Conlan in Nottingham last year, the same belt was ripped from him after a 7th round stoppage by Lara just three months ago.
