Photos: Leigh Wood, Mauricio Lara – First Face To Face

Hometown hero Leigh Wood puts his WBA featherweight world title on the line against big-punching Mexican Mauricio Lara as Matchroom’s 2023 schedule in the UK begins with a bang. (photos by Mark Robinson)

Dalton Smith will make the second defence of his British Super-Lightweight Title against Billy Allington, Irish Lightweight hope Gary Cully, returns to the scene of his impressive stoppage triumph over former World Champion Miguel Vazquez in March last year to take on the USA’s Wilfredo Flores for the vacant WBA Intercontinental Title, Gravesend Cruiserweight Cheavon Clarke, has ended all four of his fights inside the distance since turning pro last February starts his 2nd year in the pro ranks.

Former European Super-Bantamweight Champion Gamal Yafai takes on Argentina’s Diego Alberto Ruiz, Northampton’s Kieron Conway meets Portugal’s Jorge Silva over eight rounds at Super-Middleweight, Rotherham Super-Welterweight talent Junaid Bostan fights for the third time under the Matchroom banner after inking a deal with Eddie Hearn last September, Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Aaron Bowen makes his 1st appearance in the professional ranks campaigning at Super-Middleweight since signing with Matchroom, popular Mansfield Super-Bantamweight Nico Leivars squares off against Spain’s Alberto Motos over six rounds and Sam Maxwell makes return to the ring on a stacked undercard.