Mauricio Lara has been STRIPPED of his WBA featherweight title

Mauricio Lara has been stripped of his WBA featherweight title after failing to make weight ahead of his rematch showdown with Leigh Wood.

The Mexican weighed 129.8lbs, which was 3.9lbs heavier than Wood who came in at 129.8lbs.

Following the news, the British Boxing Board of Control decided that it would not be safe for Lara attempt to make the 126lbs featherweight limit.

Despite the drama, the pair are still set to go head-to-head this weekend. A Wood win against Lara will see the Englishman reclaim the title.

However, should Wood either lose or draw against ‘Bronco,’ the belt will remain vacant.

The WBA featherweight title is now vacant, meaning only Wood can win the belt this weekend

The WBA’s statement on the matter read: ‘Mauricio Lara lost the World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight belt after not being able to make weight today. However, Leigh Wood will be able to opt for the title.’ 

Wood will be out for revenge this weekend following the first outing back in February. 

Lara produced a sensational knockout in the seventh round earlier this year to claim the title.

Wood was leading in the early rounds before the Mexican unleashed a dymanite left hook from the jaws of defeat to stun the Nottingham crowd.

While the fight is likely to go ahead, Ben Davison, Wood’s trainer, indicated he may pull his man out of the bout.

Hearn released a statement to Matchroom Boxing providing an update on the situation, saying: ‘Over the last couple of days, the British Boxing Board of Control were not happy with Lara’s weight at the time.

‘They then made the decision that Lara can not weigh less than 128.5lb on the scales. Leigh Wood is allowed to make championship weight and can fight for the world title on Saturday night. Leigh Wood is on weight, ready and healthy and is focused through this situation to become world champion.

‘Mauricio Lara will be angry and frustrated and he will want to come out victorious on Saturday night but ultimately nothing will change for Leigh Wood and victory will see him become a two-time world champion in Manchester.’

Mexico’s Mauricio Lara won the first bout via a seventh round to claim the WBA featherweight title

Lara, 24, poses with the WBA world featherweight title belt after beating Wood

After the Mexican failed to make championship weight, Davison questioned whether or not the fight should actually go ahead. 

‘Realistically this shouldn’t be happening it is a disgrace,’ Davison said.

‘I have nothing against Mauricio Lara but it is a shambles. We heard about his weight while Leigh is on championship weight. We will have to go away and talk about the situation because he is a dangerous fighter anyway.

‘I know he has had to struggle to where he has got too, but Leigh’s motivation is to become a two-time world champion. We had heard about the situation where he missed the check weight, but by the time we knew it was too late. I could have said Leigh don’t fight for the title and fuel yourself back up, but he made the weight this morning.’