With the publication of the February rankings by the World Boxing Association (WBA), the best of the month awards were also given and Mauricio Lara was named Boxer of the Month by the pioneer organization. 

The Mexican became the new world featherweight champion after defeating Leigh Wood by technical knockout on February 18 in Nottingham, England. 

Lara made a spectacular fight and withstood everything Wood offered, who was in control of the actions until a left hook of the Mexican hit his chin and sent him to the canvas in an impressive way. Although Wood got up, his corner decided to stop the fight and thus Lara won in an unforgettable night. 

The “Bronco” showed many things in the ring that night. Beyond the power of his fists, which everyone knew, he exhibited patience, insistence and placement of punches to finish the fight in a devastating way.

The new 126-pound champion is the clear deserving boxer of the month and the WBA congratulates him for such a brilliant performance against such a tough opponent as Wood has always proven to be.