World champion boxer STRIPPED of belt after failing to make weight just hours before grudge rematch

LEIGH WOOD is the only man fighting for his old WBA featherweight crown after bloated Mauricio Lara was stripped ahead of their Saturday fight.

In February the violent Mexican stopped the 34-year-old Nottingham ace and snatched away his 126lbs world title.

The Manchester rematch was arranged but Lara - who refuelled for the original clash with a giant pizza and bottle of Coke on the Friday weigh-in stage - failed his midweek weight check.

The British Boxing Board of Control were concerned and warned Lara that he was forbidden from dehydrating himself down to less than 128.6lbs on Friday.

But, after Wood obeyed the rules and weighed in at 125.9lbs, Lara bowled in at 129.8lbs.

The BBBoC were fuming but the title decision fell to the sanctioning body who thankfully took action on Friday afternoon and stripped the champion.

Wood’s trainer Ben Davison considered pulling his man out of the fight because the South American knockout artist could be significantly heavier and more dangerous.

But, as of Friday afternoon, the fight was going ahead with only Wood capable of winning the strap.

If the fight does go ahead it is likely Lara will have his weight checked again on Saturday and be fined.

A WBA statement said: "Mauricio Lara lost the World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight belt after not being able to make weight today.

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"However, Leigh Wood will be able to opt for the title."

Lara's career record stands at 25-2-1, with 18 KOs.

Meanwhile, Wood's record is 26-3.