Eddie Hearn claims Leigh Wood ‘should be slight favourite’ to beat ‘dangerous’ Mauricio Lara

Lewis OldhamLewis Oldham16 February 2023
Leigh Wood celebrates victory over Michael Conlan

Leigh Wood celebrates victory over Michael Conlan

Eddie Hearn has claimed that Leigh Wood “should be the slight favourite” against Mauricio Lara and it is “madness” that the Brit is considered a clear underdog.

The Nottingham-born featherweight defends his WBA world title against Lara this weekend in his hometown at a sold-out Motorpoint Arena.

Lara is one of boxing's boogeymen following his shock win over Josh Warrington, but Wood is showing no fear and has asked for a fight against the Mexican.

It is a bout that is being tipped to be a fight-of-the-year contender and Lara has been made a clear favourite by the bookmakers to leave victorious.

Hearn disagrees with Wood's 3/1 odds as the Matchroom promoter feels that "it is a 50-50 fight".

"I just saw Mauricio Lara in there. It sounded like someone was getting shot. Those left hooks pinging in there," Hearn told iD Boxing.

"Leigh Wood looks in tremendous shape and ready to fight. Leigh is nearly 3/1 in this fight. It's madness. I can't believe it. It's a 50-50 fight.
"People keep saying, 'Mauricio Lara, Leigh Wood late,' but really, I think Leigh should be the slight favourite in this fight."
Hearn added: "He's coming off a win over [Michael] Conlan; he's the home fighter, he's got 9,000 fans cheering him on, but Lara is very dangerous.
"How good is Maurcio Lara? We know he's dangerous, but Leigh Wood and Ben Davison see something."
Hearn does point out that Lara is going to be "so dangerous" in the early rounds against Wood.
"We're so lucky to have this fight. With experience," Hearn continued.
"Don't forget, Leigh Wood is a massive puncher. He [Lara] got hurt in his last fight, the one before.
"Leigh thinks he can take him out. Lara is going to be so dangerous early."

READ MORE: Eddie Hearn reveals why Jermaine Franklin was picked as Anthony Joshua's comeback opponent