Josh Warrington - Mauricio Lara rematch ends in disappointing technical draw

Josh Warrington wanted revenge. Mauricio Lara was determined to prove his explosive victory over Warrington last February wasn’t “luck.”

Something had to give.

It did, but not in a way most expected.

After two rounds of intense action, an accidental headbutt put a halt to the eagerly awaited rematch.

The bout was ruled a technical draw.

“I’m gutted,” said Warrington. “All these people (20,000) came out to see me get redemption. I felt I was on my way to victory.”

"Especially after the first round I thought I would have an early night but not in this situation," Warrington said. Perhaps but Lara did better in round two. His power will always be an issue for Warrington.

"I can only apologize but we will have our redemption eventually. I felt like I could cry when it got waved off. I hope we can get it."

Warrington started the fight well - working behind a high guard, he jabbed. Lara fired hooks to the body. Warrington landed a hard right. Lara slipped in a couple of rights to the chin. Warrington absorbed them and connected with a left hook.

In round two, Warrington circled to his right. He fired shots to the head and body. A clash of heads caused a delay in the action. An ugly cut was visible over the left eye of Lara. Warrington connected with a combination. Close round.

Before round three was commence, the ringside doctor took a look at the cut caused by the butt and told referee Steve Grey the fight was over.