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Boxing

Eddie Hearn's Josh Warrington fight plan for Mauricio Lara collapses

Alexander Netherton
Eddie Hearn's Josh Warrington fight plan for Mauricio Lara collapsesDAZN
The former featherweight champion and his promoter will need to find a new venue.

Eddie Hearn’s Leeds fighter Josh Warrington has been refused the chance to fight in his hometown.

The former IBF world featherweight champion is planning to fight Mauricio Lara in September at Headingley Stadium, with a proposal to host 25,000 fans.

Headingley is the home to Rugby League side the Leeds Rhinos, and the Warrington fight was set to be part of two annual fighting events held at the ground. However, Leeds City Council turned down the request.

Hearn had previously stated that the rematch between the pair would be held on September 4 at the venue.

The council said that the late finish for any events would pose a problem for the council and residents, with logistics unable to support so many attendees for a fight.

Councillor John Illingworth said: "The late night finish certainly is a problem. If they finished the same time as a rugby match, I don't think there'd be the same issues.

"We are all keen to see Rhinos doing well. It is a problem for them if they've got expensive facilities standing idle."

Hearn will now need to find an alternative venue - as he plans for the Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury fight - if the fight is to go ahead, with no guarantees Warrington will be able to fight in September.