Champion Picked to Win Rematch
Boxing odds have Mauricio Lara as the -300 favorite to win the rematch against Leigh Wood for the WBA world featherweight title on Saturday.
Wood’s corner had to throw in the towel in the first meeting in February, but it was a controversial outcome.
However, running it back will determine the real champion, and the sportsbook expects the Mexican to get the job done.
Lara Riding Winning Streak
Boxing betting lines have Lara at short odds to extend his winning streak, which goes all the way back to 2018.
His most recent loss came against 5-1-1 Eliot Chavez, but a lot of water has gone under the bridge since and he’s now world champion.
Ranked No. 2 in the world, the 25-year-old Lara has improved significantly over the last few years, including wins against Josh Warrington, Emilio Sanchez and Jose Sanmartin.
However, most bettors will look at his win over Wood as the better form guide. Lara was losing the fight on all judges’ scorecards before scoring a seventh-round TKO win, which could have had something to do with Wood’s eye injury.
A first-round head clash opened up Wood’s eye, so many believe that had an impact on the outcome. However, Lara did what he needed to do and forced Wood’s team to throw in the towel.
Sport betting lines have Lara at -300, which could be too short given the circumstances. If he struggles in the opening rounds, as he did in Nottingham, Wood could pounce and end the fight early.
Wood Eyes Redemption
Boxing odds might have Wood at +225, but the 34-year-old local shouldn’t be seen as an underdog.
He was unlucky in the first meeting, but his prior form included a win over Michael Conlan, so that’s an excellent form guide for the title rematch.
Wood also has the advantage of fighting in front of his home fans, as he did last time, but the Manchester Arena is a bigger venue so he’ll have even more support.
Wood has watched the video of him getting knocked out a lot, in the hopes of history not happening twice.
“I’ve watched it back over 40 times probably,” Wood said. “It’s frustrating because I watch the momentum. After the first few rounds, he’s expended a lot of energy. He’s had a lot of stoppages in those first few rounds so he was hitting me with everything and really emptying his tank. I had to stay tight.”
Despite the loss, Wood is staying positive as the online gambling underdog.
“My confidence is not dented from what happened – I know what happened and why,” Wood added. “I make adjustments every time I win, lose or draw. I come back a better fighter and learn from the things I did wrong.”
There is value with Wood. If he starts well, his Boxing live betting odds could firm into favoritism. He started well in the first meeting, and there’s no reason not to believe he will again.
Lara vs Wood Head-to-Head
The first meeting between Lara vs Wood ended with Wood being knocked out in the seventh round, despite leading 59-55, 58-56 and 58-56.
Lara vs Wood Fight Information
- Fight: Lara (26-2-1) vs Wood (26-3)
- Location: Manchester Arena, Manchester, England
- Day/Time: Saturday, May 27, 5:00 p.m. ET
- Lara vs WoodLive stream: Box Live
Lara vs Wood Betting Lines
Lara vs Wood Picks and Prediction
Lara is a world-class boxer, but the value is with Wood and we think he redeems himself.
He was unlucky not to win the first meeting, and although credit goes to Lara for having the rematch in the UK, that plays into the hands of Wood.
The line of +225 is a great price and Wood should start well and win by decision.
The Lara are listed at -300 in our Vegas Boxing lines. This means that if you wager $100 on Lara, you have a chance to win $33. The Wood is +225, offering a chance to win $225 on a $100 wager.
The implied probability attached to the betting lines gives Lara a 75.00% chance to win, with Wood at 30.77%.
