Josh Warrington’s fight with Mauricio Lara next month will take place at The SSE Arena, Wembley, promoters Matchroom Boxing have confirmed.
Leeds favourite Warrington faces Mexican Lara on February 13 after British boxing returns from a month-long suspension implemented after a rise in coronavirus cases.
All but two of the 30-year-old’s last 12 bouts have come in his hometown, with ‘The Leeds Warrior’ typically fighting at the First Direct Arena. He also won the IBF featherweight title against Lee Selby at Elland Road in May 2018.
However, Warrington’s successful defence against Carl Frampton in December of that year came in Manchester, while he travelled to Berlin in 2015 to meet Edwin Tellez.
Warrington - who vacated his IBF title last week after the governing body declined to sanction a unification showdown with WBA champion Xu Can - will fight in London for the first time next month after confirmation that The SSE Arena, Wembley will be the venue for his meeting with Lara.
Another win for Warrington should set up a blockbuster fight later in 2021, potentially against long-reigning WBC featherweight champion Gary Russell Jr.
As well as Warrington vs Lara, The SSE Arena, Wembley will also play host to Josh Kelly’s attempts to dethrone European welterweight champion David Avanesyan of Russia seven days later on February 20.
“We’re delighted to welcome Matchroom Boxing back to The SSE Arena, Wembley for our first events of 2021,” said The SSE Arena’s VP and general manager John Drury.
"We’re looking forward to another huge residency, with ASM Global’s VenueShield protocols keeping everyone at our venue safe and comfortable in a welcoming and Covid-secure environment.”
