FEATHERWEIGHT Josh Warrington has given his thoughts on two important fights in the 130lbs division this month.
In Manchester and Belfast on May 27, Mauricio Lara and Leigh Wood collide once again while Luis Alberto Lopez takes on Michael Conlan in two world title bouts.
Warrington will have his eye on facing either winner and having shared the ring with Lara and Lopez he is well placed to give an expert opinion.
Wood dropped his world title in a thrilling shootout against Lara in February when the Mexican puncher overpowered the Brit with a seventh-round stoppage. The former champion was cut in the opening round and Warrington believes it will be a repeat, not revenge.
“I think it’s going to be the same outcome; I really do,” he told Boxing News.
“In Nottingham I thought Leigh was in total control but a few factors to take into consideration this time. He’s going straight into rematch. He got cut, I don’t care how long he think he’s healed, that’s going to open up again. I don’t know how mentally strong he is but he’s gonna have them spooks. One punch and it ended it all and I just feel like it’s gonna be the same outcome.”
Lopez won his maiden world title after defeating Warrington in Leeds last December. It was a crushing loss for the home favourite but a deserved victory for the Mexican. This time Michael Conlan will be in the opposite corner and will have home advantage at The SSE Arena in Belfast.
“It’s going to be a bit of a chess match,” said Warrington.
“I feel that Lopez might be better fighting inside. I’ve been up and down with that one because I’ve thought Conlan is a better boxer. Even though Lopez is awkward, Conlan is a lot more awkward.
“Then I thought Lopez didn’t do well over the stretch [against me] but I gave an intense pace. After five or six [rounds] I really took the fight to him and he were holding on for dear life when I hurt him. I’m probably leaning towards Lopez for that one.”