Mauricio Lara’s stunning performance beats a stagnant Josh Warrington

Warrington endured a savage and uncomfortable encounter against heavy-hitting Mexican Mauricio Lara.

After being out of the ring for 16 months, Warrington wanted to put on a show for UK fans in a potential warm up fight for bigger things to come in future months. Unfortunately for the ‘Leeds Warrior’, Lara had other ideas and caused big problems for him on Saturday night.

Previously unbeaten Warrington, looked cautious and unlike himself in early rounds which consequently lead to a confidence shredding performance in London.

The absence of fans seemed to allow Lara to grow into the fight from the first bell and become more comfortable in the ring with usually feared Warrington. Lara announced himself onto Warrington quickly with heavy exchanges in the first and second rounds. Usually, the Yorkshireman replies with quick combinations of his own but seemed timid at the start of the fight.

His apprehension on the little-known fighter allowed for Lara to gain confidence and get on top of Warrington early on. Throughout the first three rounds, Warrington was standing off Lara slightly, giving up the centre of the ring and letting Lara dictate the pace of the fight.

This proved costly in round four when Lara struck one of his powerful left hooks and knocked Warrington to the canvas, he looked all but gone. His legs were weary, head swaying, but somehow remained in the fight and got to round five. This constant pressure that Lara applied could not be matched by Warrington, which came as a surprise to many viewers.

From round five onwards, Warrington struggled to conduct any hurtful combinations that could affect Lara. He couldn’t conjure up anything of real intent and lacked power behind his shots which Lara easily brushed off.

By round nine it was evident that Warrington was struggling and as a result took to the canvas one last time after an impressive left hook to take the first loss of his career. The referee then called an end to the onslaught and Lara had won for the first time out of South America.

Lara provided a great viewing for boxing and looked incredibly active throughout the fight, eventually getting his just reward. Looking at his previous record it was clear that he had significant power but few people thought he could implement his style on Warrington. Fighting throughout lockdowns proved effective for Lara and seemed to give him an upper hand when fighting Warrington.

For Warrington, he was never able to get settled, especially after the nightmare round in the fourth. He never looked himself in the fight, lacking confidence, energy and fight fitness. Future title fights could now be in jeopardy and might need some more time to develop. It was unfortunate for Warrington, who never looked ready and might have underestimated his dangerous opponent.

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