Mexican Mauricio “Bronco” Lara (25-2-1, 18KO) already knows what it’s like to fight in England, not to be a favorite and rise to victory, but he is very aware that the battles on that island are a real war and that’s what he prepared for. 

The North American fighter, who closed his preparation last Friday in Mexico City, knows that this February 18 he has the most important challenge of his career: to win the World Boxing Association featherweight title currently held by British Leigh Wood. 

“He’s a man (Wood) who talks a lot under the ring, he says I won’t make it past the sixth round. I expect him to give a good fight in front of his people. I’m going in ready for a war, let’s see if he’s able to deliver what he promised. I have heard this many times and here is the ‘Bronco’ Lara,” said the challenger to the 126 crown. 

Lara has fought twice in England, once at Wembley, and both times he faced Josh Warrington. In the first he was knocked out and in the second the fight was a technical draw. These wars, the boxer believes, have served him as preparation for what he will face next Saturday. 

“We are going to take advantage of the opportunity as I did with Warrington, when he was number one. We know what it’s like to fight outside the country and, as I said, England is like my second home,” said Lara. 

Bronco will fight for the first time for a world title, for which he is very grateful to the WBA: “It is a very nice belt and I want it, I am very happy that Mr. Gilberto has given me the opportunity to fight for it and we are going to take advantage of it,” he said.