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Dangerous puncher Mauricio “Bronco” Lara does not believe that IBF featherweight champion Luis Alberto “Venado” Lopez is a challenge for his career.
But, Lara concedes that newly crowned WBO super featherweight champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete is the real challenge.
This coming Saturday night in Manchester, Lara will challenge Leigh Wood for the WBA featherweight strap.
There is speculation among Mexican boxing fans and pundits about who is the best fighter in the 126 and what would happen in a potential matchup between all of them.
As far as the possible big fights, Lara does not view Lopez as a real threat, but he feels Navarrete is a different beast.
“For me, Venado (Lopez) is not a challenge”, Mauricio Lara told Izquierdazo. “We know that it would be an ordinary fight. For me, a real challenge is fighting Vaquero Navarrete.
“Venado has only won against [Josh] Warrington who was already softened up. I don’t want to rest any merit on him (Lopez), but to be honest, that belt has been mine since 2021. We are going to try to take it back, and if he has the belt then so be it”.
Lopez recently told Izquierdazo that his hand speed and strong chin would be key in a potential match up with Lara, but Mauricio remains skeptical about that.
“I saw an interview where he (Lopez) said that he is faster, and he has a stronger chin,” Lara said with a smirk. “Everyone can say that, but until the day of the fight, we will see if he is stronger or faster than me”.
As a fellow Mexican, Lara is happy for Lopez’ success and he looks forward to an opportunity to unify titles if he wins against Wood.
“Venado is a young guy who is having a good moment, thank God”, Lara acknowledges. “Its good that he won, and I congratulate him as a Mexican. We know that this country wants to see that fight. I want to be the king at 126 and that is the way it’s going to be. If they want a fight, just send the contact after I win (to Leigh Wood), and let’s make that fight.”