Photos: Mauricio Lara Takes Out Leigh Wood in Seven, Captures WBA Title

Nottingham - For the WBA featherweight title, Mauricio Lara (26-2-1, 19 KOs) was under fire at times, but a massive punch in the seventh round dropped and stopped Leigh Wood (26-3, 16 KOs) to become a world champion. (photos by Mark Robinson)

Wood was using a range jab to keep Lara at a distance in the first. Lara was still able to get close. Neither boxer was able to land anything of note, as both were showing respect. There was a clash of heads that opened a cut around the left eye of Wood.

In the second, the quicker punches were getting to the target first. Lara was rushing in often and leaving himself exposed at times for Wood's punches. A right hand from Lara staggered Wood and then the Mexican puncher began to batter him with punches to the head and body in the closing seconds. In the third, Wood came out using a jab to set up his punches and keep Lara at bay. 

The fourth saw Lara come out firing with solid punches at the start. Wood took the punches well. Wood was able to connect with heavy shots on his own in the closing moments. In the fifth, there opening up with more punches. Both were connecting to the head and body. Wood was connecting with more shots and using his jab.

During the sixth, Wood seemed to shake Lara up with a combination and began to stalk him to land more punches. Wood was connecting with accurate punches and missing his counters. As the seventh played out, Wood was taking his time from a distance and luring Lara in. When Lara got inside, he was able to connect with hard shots. A massive hook dropped Wood down hard on his back. He got up on unsteady legs and the fight was waved off as Wood's corner threw in the towel.