Mexican featherweight powerhouse Mauricio ‘Bronco’ Lara (24-2-1) returns to fight in his home country for the first time since 2020, as he squares off with Jose Sanmartin (33-5-1).
The Mexican announced himself on the world stage back in 2021 when he was brought in as an opponent for Josh Warrington. Lara was expected to lose but would upset the odds as he would drop Warrington twice on his way to a ninth-round stoppage victory in what was seen as one of the biggest upsets in British boxing history.
Lara would immediately rematch Warrington seven months later, but the bout would be stopped in the second round and ruled a technical draw after an accidental head clash. Fans would next see ‘Bronco in the ring in March 2022, as he once again showcased his power and blasted Emilio Sanchez out in three rounds.
The Mexican was due to return in September to the UK to challenge WBA champion Leigh Wood, but Wood sustained an injury which led to the cancellation of the bout.
An opponent was found in quick time, as Lara now faces Sanmartin this Saturday in Mexico. Sanmartin has challenged one of the current world champions before but was stopped in the final round of his challenge of current WBO champion Emanuel Navarrete in 2018.
Sanmartin has strung together seven victories since the Navarrete loss, with three of those victories coming by stoppage. Last time out, Sanmartin stopped Stiven Monterrosa in two rounds, prior to that victory, the Colombian defeated former world title challenger David Carmona by unanimous decision.
Both men carry power, as Lara enters the bout with a 63% knockout percentage over his 27 fights, and Sanmartin has a 54% knockout percentage over his 39 fights.
Sanmartin has only been stopped once in his five losses and that was the Navarrete loss. Lara has also tasted loss via stoppage as he was stopped by Eliot Chavez back in 2018.
The fight takes place this Saturday at the Plaza de Toros in Mexico and can be watched live on DAZN