Mexico's Mauricio Lara scored the upset with a ninth round knockout over former IBF Featherweight World Champion Josh Warrington of England Saturday at The SSE Arena, Wembley.
Lara, scored a knockdown in the fourth round and Warrington struggled to make the bell, his legs barely able to support him. Warrington was never able to fully recover as Lara went for the finish dropping him a second time in the ninth as the referee immediately waived it.
“The reason I performed so well is because of the support of my family," said Lara. "I think Josh Warrington needed to know that this fight wasn’t going to be easy. He shouldn’t have been making plans for future fights. I am extremely happy at the moment.
"We just had to take our time and wait. He was a great champion, that’s why he continued to fight on and be strong and have good heart. I didn’t want to tire myself out too much. I had to take it round by round and wait for that final blow when it came in the ninth.
"We were very confident in our team in what we could do. Of course, there is a surprise when it actually comes off. We’re happy with our performance. I know I am heavy-handed and that’s what showed during the fight. I’m really really happy. I’m crazy happy.
"I’m looking forward to going back home to see my daughter and my wife. I’m looking forward to spending time with them. There is a tinge of sadness that I can’t take the belt home. At least Mexicans know that they have a new number one going home with that victory. I will have a massive pizza, and I’m looking forward to it!”
Comments