Josh Warrington wanted revenge. Mauricio Lara was determined to prove his explosive victory over Warrington last February wasn’t “luck.”
Something had to give.
It did, but not in a way most expected.
After two rounds of intense action, an accidental headbutt put a halt to the eagerly awaited rematch.
The bout was ruled a technical draw.
“I’m gutted,” said Warrington. “All these people (20,000) came out to see me get redemption. I felt I was on my way to victory.”
Warrington started the fight well – working behind a high guard, he jabbed. Lara fired hooks to the body. Warrington landed a hard right. Lara slipped in a couple of rights to the chin. Warrington absorbed them and connected with a left hook.
In round two, Warrington circled to his right. He fired shots to the head and body. A clash of heads caused a delay in the action. An ugly cut was visible over the left eye of Lara. Warrington connected with a combination. Close round.
Before round three was commence, the ringside doctor took a look at the cut caused by the butt and told referee Steve Grey the fight was over.