Josh Warrington believes that Leigh Wood can beat Mauricio Lara this Saturday.
Warrington fought Lara twice in 2021, losing the first in a huge upset as he looked to keep busy, but failed to win the second when it was called off after Lara suffered a cut above his eye in the second round.
A trilogy rematch could eventually be in the offing, but for now the Mexican has his sights set on Wood.
The duo will fight for Wood’s WBA featherweight belt in Nottingham, live on DAZN (excluding New Zealand and Australia), and should Wood be victorious then Warrington is a potential opponent for a huge summer clash at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground.
The 34-year-old faces a tough contest against Lara, and speaking to the BBC, Warrington thinks there is a way to victory for Wood.
He said: "Lara is the favourite, just, but it should be tight odds. However, I believe Wood will come with a good enough game plan to win.
"Wood should target Lara's body in the early stages and, as he starts to tire, I think he will start to box and take over in the late stages.
“Potentially, Wood may get a late stoppage. If not then a comfortable points win."
Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn added: "If Leigh Wood can get past three or four rounds I think he can stop him.
“But those opening rounds are going to be treacherous. How he got off the deck with Michael Conlan, he can't afford to get hit like that on Saturday night. Lara hits hard, is ferocious and doesn't stop coming forward."