Mauricio Lara and Josh Warrington will face off once again in a rematch from their February clash at Emerald Headingley Stadium on Saturday September 4, live worldwide on DAZN.
The co-main event will also feature undisputed lightweight world champion, Katie Taylor, who puts all her belts on the line against IBF mandatory challenger Jennifer Han.
‘The Leeds Warrior’ was floored and ruthlessly finished by Mexico’s Lara in a sensational knockout earlier this year in one of 2021’s biggest upsets. Warrington, with a home crowd behind him, will be desperate for revenge.
Undisputed lightweight ruler Taylor defends her WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine crowns against her latest mandatory challenger Han. The Irish star was forced to dig deep as she retained her World titles via a unanimous decision victory after another memorable meeting with Natasha Jonas last time out at Manchester Arena in May.
“I’ve never been much of a talker, I’d rather do my talking in the ring," said Lara. "I'm going for a repeat performance on September 4. Hit once, hit twice. Warrington should know that I am coming for him. This is all about pride. This is for Mexico!"
“It’s been an up and down period, time for reflection and to reassess myself, said Warrington. "I’ve watched the first fight a dozen times. I’m mentally and physically prepared for Mauricio. It won’t be the same result, I want revenge.
“It’s going to be a huge event in Leeds, I can’t wait to get back in there and rewrite the script. It’s nothing personal, just business. September 4th, we get back on track to the top.”
"I'm really excited to defend my Titles in front of a live crowd again and especially in Leeds,” said Taylor. “I grew up as a Leeds United fan so it's fantastic to see them back in the Premier League and doing so well again.
“My last few fights have effectively been behind closed door and it's definitely a strange experience so I think to have crowds back again and outdoors in Leeds will make for a very special atmosphere.”
"I want to thank Katie for this opportunity,” said Han. “Enjoy your belts while you still have them. I will see you in September."
Fresh from his devastating first round demolition job on James Tennyson, Mexico’s Jovanni Straffon will make the first defence of his IBO lightweight title against the in-form Maxi Hughes.
‘Impacto’ dropped and stopped Belfast’s Tennyson in a powerful performance at Manchester Arena in May to become the latest Mexican to spring an upset against British opposition in the UK.
“What better way to celebrate the return to normality for boxing than 20,000 passionate Leeds fans at Headingley Stadium. This is the biggest fight of Josh Warrington’s career and this time he has his city behind him in a must win fight that can only be a thriller," said Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman.
"The greatest female fighter of all time, Katie Taylor, faces mandatory challenger Jennifer Han in another great fight. Katie is a lifelong Leeds United fan and I know how excited she is to fight in the city.
“Another Mexican upsetter Jovanni Straffon tries to derail the fairy tale story of Yorkshire’s Maxi Hughes who looks to take a giant leap in the World Lightweight landscape. There’s plenty more additions to be announced shortly in what will be a huge night of boxing live on DAZN.”