Josh Warrington suffered a shock — and legitimate — defeat in February at the hands of little-known Mauricio Lara, but the former featherweight titlist is going to go right back at the man who beat him.
ESPN reports that a Lara-Warrington rematch is set for Sept. 4, though Matchroom have not made an official announcement just yet. The bout will headline a DAZN card at Headingley Stadium in Leeds, England, Warrington’s hometown, and a place where he should feel the true home advantage he’s experienced in the past. Their first bout was fought in an empty arena.
It’s also expected that Katie Taylor will be back in the co-feature, defending her undisputed lightweight championship.
Warrington (30-1, 7 KO) recently stated that he’s ready for all that comes with returning to the ring, and sounds in good shape mentally. But Lara (22-2, 15 KO) was no joke in February, it wasn’t a fluke KO or narrow points win. Lara dominated the fight from a physical standpoint, looking bigger and stronger, overpowering Warrington. It’s a brave move to come right back against someone who did that to you the first time around. We’ll see if it’s the smart move.