Josh Warrington vs Mauricio Lara 2 LIVE: Result, latest updates, reaction after cut forces technical draw
The Leeds Warrior was denied a chance at redemption after the Mexican suffered a severe cut inside two rounds
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Josh Warrington‘s big Headingley comeback fell flat as his fight against Mauricio Lara was declared a technical draw after two rounds.
Warrington opened an injury around Lara’s left eye via an accidental head-butt, and the Mexican was deemed unfit to continue by the ringside doctor.
The news was greeted with groans by the 20,000-capacity crowd at the home of Leeds Rhinos who had turned up in the hope that Warrington would gain revenge for his knockout defeat by the same fighter in May.
The rules stipulate that with less than four rounds completed, the officials have no option but to declare a draw rather than go to the scorecards.
It proved an enormous anti-climax for Warrington, who had headed into the rematch in the knowledge that another defeat would effectively scupper his hopes of some day shining on the other side of the Atlantic, if not end his career itself.
But for all his insistence he would not make the mistake of overlooking Lara a second time, his pre-fight media commitments were still peppered with Stateside ambitions and dismissals of his domestic featherweight rivals.
Whilst it was admirable of Warrington to agree to step straight back in against an opponent who vanquished him so comprehensively seven months ago, it was also an engagement borne of necessity in the context of those future plans.
Warrington‘s previous reversal to Lara was no lucky punch, but a loss that required plenty of soul-searching and a completely revised game-plan prior to his high-profile reappearance in front of his adoring home city fans.
Having surrendered his unbeaten record behind closed doors at promoter Eddie Hearn’s Fight Camp, Warrington‘s hope to glean extra motivation from his thousands of raucous supporters also heaped additional pressure on such a crucial career assignment.
Warrington started well, landing much the cleaner work in the opener, although his best shots had no discernible effect on his opponent, and suggested a worrying willingness to trade.
Lara was already complaining about Warrington‘s use of the head prior to a pivotal moment midway through the second, when a clash left Lara reeling with blood around his left eye and requiring extra time to recover in his corner.
The Leeds man was warned about his use of the head in an equally action-packed second, which ended with the ringside doctor taking a long look and instructing the official to call the contest off.
Eddie Hearn on Bridges vs Gangloff
“It's what we love, it's lively. People want to get out again and watch live sport.
“She's a star, she's a Leeds United supporter, she's in a tough fight."
Bridges vs Gangloff: Round 2
This one has started off fast, both ladies slugging it out.
Bridges only knows one way and pushes through a hard right, but Gangloff counters nicely off the ropes.
Lara vs Warrington 2: Main undercard set to start
The main card is about to start, a reminder of the run-down of this undercard:
- Mauricio Lara v Josh Warrington
- Katie Taylor v Jennifer Han
- Conor Benn v Adrian Granados
- Jovanni Straffon v Maxi Hughes
- Ebanie Bridges v Mailys Gangloff
Price wins via second round KO
What a performance by Price!
He unleashes a barrage of punches in the second and Hussain is stopped on his feet.
It's a real statement from the 21-year-old, who now moves to 6-0. Impressive stuff.
Hopey Price v Zahid Hussain
Hussain goes down!
Right on the bell to signal the end of the first round, Price catches Hussain clean on the chin with a right hook.
Hussain recovers well to see out the first, but for how long?
Hopey Price v Zahid Hussain
Both fighters are now in the ring.
Price has only ever been six rounds, so the added experience of Hussain (who has 16 wins to his name) could provide a good test for the youngster.
Here we go...
Bateson beats Garcia via UD
The British fighter recovers well from being knocked down in the second to beat Garcia 58-56 via the judge's scorecard.
It was a tougher fight than anticipated, but Bateson gets the job done in his home city.
Next up, it's exciting Matchroom prospect Hopey Price v Zahid Hussain.
Warrington v Lara undercard - as it happens
The first bouts of the evening have now been completed. Earlier, we saw young prospects Mali Wright and Brandon Stanfield win in their respective matchups.
Leeds-born Jack Batseon is currently in the ring with Nicaragua's Felix Garica. He’s been on the canvas, but should be fairly comfortably ahead on the judge's scorecards.
Katie Taylor on fighting in front of a crowd again
“This has been a long time coming, I haven’t fought in front of a crowd in a long time. It is going to be electric. I have a soft heart towards Leeds, so it is going to be really amazing to fight here.
“I have great memories growing up and coming here as a kid and going to Elland Road to watch Leeds United. They are some of my best memories as a kid. To have the chance to actually fight here is really special.”
Conor Benn: I let my fists do the talking
“I don’t have a message for Granados. I don’t. There is nothing to say. I let my fists do the talking. Everything that has been said from both parties has been said now. At the end of the day the promo is done. All that’s left to do now is fight, and come September 4 he is in for one hell of a fight. I know he’s going to bring it – but that gets me going. Let’s have it!
“He’s a tough durable guy, the only person to stop him is Danny Garcia. He won the fight against Adrian Broner. He gave hell to Shawn Porter. He fought Robert Easter Jr. He’s been in with the top boys, but he’s in with another top boy. I just want to fight now. I just want to get in there now.”
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