: Wood was ahead on all three judges' scorecards (58-56, 58-56, 59-55) before the knockout.
The rivalry between and Mauricio Lara consisted of two major world title fights in 2023 for the WBA featherweight championship. While Lara won the first meeting by knockout, Wood regained his title in the rematch with a dominant 12-round display. Match 1: Lara def. Wood (Feb 18, 2023) Boks: Wood vs Lara
: Lara landed a devastating left hook that dropped Wood. Although Wood beat the count, his trainer, Ben Davison , threw in the towel to protect him. : Wood was ahead on all three judges'
The rematch took place at the AO Arena in Manchester, where Wood successfully regained his title. Match 1: Lara def
Held at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham, this fight ended in a dramatic seventh-round stoppage.
: Wood landed 50% of his power punches, but Lara's relentless pressure ultimately found the opening needed for the finish. Match 2: Wood def. Lara (May 27, 2023)