In February, Josh Warrington was expected to plow through Mauricio Lara and move on to bigger fights.
Lara had different plans in mind, as he dominated Warrington from start to finish. He put Warrington on the canvas in the fourth round and sent him packing with the second and final knockdown in the ninth round to notch the massive upset to hand the Brit the first loss of his career.
Now, they run it back on Saturday from Emerald Headingley Stadium in Leeds, England. The co-main event features undisputed lightweight champion Katie Taylor putting all four belts on the line against Jennifer Han.
It took a little bit for Warrington (30-1, 7 KOs) to get over the setback. Now, he's refreshed and ready to prove the loss nearly seven months ago was a fluke and reclaim his spot among the elite in the featherweight division.
“It’s been an up and down period, time for reflection and to reassess myself," Warrington said in a press release. "I’ve watched the first fight a dozen times. I’m mentally and physically prepared for Mauricio. It won’t be the same result. I want revenge. It’s going to be a huge event in Leeds. I can’t wait to get back in there and rewrite the script. It’s nothing personal, just business. September 4, we get back on track to the top.”
The unknown Lara (22-2, 15 KOs) plans to show the world that he's the real deal this weekend.
“I’ve never been much of a talker. I’d rather do my talking in the ring," Lara said. "I'm going for a repeat performance on September 4. Hit once, hit twice. Warrington should know that I am coming for him. This is all about pride. This is for Mexico!"
Saturday's card is definitely one you cannot miss as it has something for everyone.
Here is everything you need to know about Mauricio Lara vs. Josh Warrington 2.
Date: Saturday, Sept. 4
Time: 2 p.m. ET
Lara vs. Warrington main event (approx): 5:00 p.m. ET
The Mauricio Lara vs. Josh Warrington 2 fight card takes place on Saturday, Sept. 4 at 2 p.m. ET. Lara and Warrington are expected to make their ring walks at approximately 5:00 p.m. ET, although that depends on the length of the earlier bouts.
U.S.: DAZN
UK: DAZN
Lara vs. Warrington will have their featherweight rematch exclusively on DAZN worldwide in over 200 countries and territories.
The event will take place at Emerald Headingley Stadium in Leeds, England. It will be the first time that Lara and Warrington compete at the stadium.
As of Sept. 1, courtesy of BetMGM:
Mauricio Lara: +110
Draw: +2000
Josh Warrington: -135
Nationality: Mexican
Born: February 23, 1998
Height: N/A
Reach: N/A
Total fights: 24
Record: 22-2 with 15 knockouts
Nationality: British
Born: Nov. 14, 1990
Height: 5-7
Reach: 67 inches
Total fights: 31
Record: 30-1 with seven knockouts