Tony Bellew thinks that Leigh Wood vs. Mauricio Lara is a compelling risk for the British fighter.
Lara sprung a huge surprise during the coronavirus pandemic when he stopped Josh Warrington, and returns to challenge Wood for the WBA featherweight title, live on DAZN on February 18.
Wood was a participant in and winner of one of the finest fights of 2022 when he knocked out Michael Conlan in the 12th round to retain his 'regular' title at 126lbs, sending his opponent out of the ring in a dramatic denouement.
Former world champion Bellew believes that with two potentially huge fights available in the summer for Wood, the Nottingham fighter is putting a lot on the line against Lara.
He told The DAZN Boxing Show: “It’s a dangerous one, when you consider what this boy’s got as options, that Conlan rematch is an absolutely mouthwatering rematch in the summer, with Josh Warrington at Elland Road or the the City Ground, take your pick.
“It’s massive. It is what it’s labelled as: dancing with the devil. Fair play to Leigh Wood, I can’t wait to see it.”