Boxing Result

In a surprising turn of events, Mauricio Lara's move up to the 130-pound division and a bout against Daniel Lugo did not yield the victorious return he had hoped for after his previous setbacks. Lara, who missed weight and lost his featherweight belt to Leigh Wood last May, found himself in a tough contest in Oaxaca on Friday night, ultimately escaping with a majority draw in a bout where he appeared far from his best.

The fight served as the chief support bout to the mini flyweight title fight between Adrien Curiel and Sivenathi Nontshinga, streamed on DAZN. Initially, the early rounds saw a relatively subdued pace, with Lugo employing a long jab and landing looping power shots that Lara managed to evade. It seemed as though Lara was waiting for an opportunity to land counter shots and draw Lugo into a brawl. However, as Lugo increased his aggression in the fourth round, Lara absorbed significant blows, signalling a shift in momentum.

By the fifth round, Lara appeared visibly tired and struggled to find his rhythm. Head clashes and a slippery ring canvas further compounded his troubles, leaving him vulnerable to Lugo's relentless assault. In the sixth round, Lugo unleashed a barrage of body shots and head punches, leaving Lara reeling and seemingly on the brink of defeat.

Despite Lugo's dominance, he failed to capitalise on his advantage in the seventh round, allowing Lara to regroup and showcase his boxing skills. Lara landed significant blows as the round ended, turning the tables on his opponent. The ensuing rounds saw both fighters exchange combinations with increasing weariness, culminating in a closely contested finish.

The judges' scorecards reflected the intensity of the bout, with one judge scoring the fight in favour of Lugo by a narrow margin of 96-95, while the other two scored it a 95-95 draw.

Reflecting on his performance, Lara acknowledged his challenges, partly attributing his struggles to nine months of inactivity. Despite his disappointment, Lara desired a rematch with Lugo, eager to prove himself and secure a decisive victory.

Lara's journey serves as a reminder of the unforgiving nature of the sport, where even the most seasoned fighters must overcome obstacles to succeed. As he looks to the future, Lara remains determined to reclaim his place among the elite in the boxing world, eager for redemption and another shot at victory.