British Leigh Wood will return to the ring next February 18 to make the second defense of his World Boxing Association (WBA) feather belt against Mexican Mauricio Lara at the Nottingham Arena, in the United Kingdom. 

The bout was confirmed by Matchroom on Monday and will be the main event of the evening to be held in the champion’s hometown. Wood will break a long period of inactivity after suffering an injury that forced him to stay away from the ring and he will do it in a great setting against a very interesting opponent.

The Englishman won his belt in July 2021 by defeating Can Xu by unanimous decision and made a defense in March 2022 against Michael Conlan in a dramatic bout that ended with a stunning knockout in the last part of the fight. 

As for Lara, he comes in on a hot streak and hasn’t lost a fight since 2018. He has proven to be a warrior capable of defeating any opponent and under unfavorable circumstances, so he will be a tough challenger. The 24-year-old fighter will have his big opportunity for a world title and he doesn’t plan to waste it. 

Wood has a record of 26 wins, 2 losses and 16 knockouts. Lara has 25 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw and 18 wins before the limit.