When Mauricio Lara left Mexico City he did it with the intention of giving his career a much needed boost and after a surprise victory against Josh Warrington in 2021, he now returns home on the brink of a world title shot. 

"I'm very excited to have this opportunity. That my people can see me, see the hunger I have and what I am capable of doing above the ring," Lara told DAZN. 

"Bronco" Lara will return to Mexico City on Saturday night for a fight against Colombia's Jose Sanmartin, an experienced fighter who holds a 33-5-1 record with 21 of those wins coming by way of knockout.

"This fight I don't see it as a preparation, it's a fight that is important like all of them, because Sanmartin comes with the same hunger and desire to get ahead, to take my place and I will not leave him," said Lara. 

Lara will be looking to build on what was an explosive performance this past March which saw the 24-year-old beat Emilio Sanchez with a third round knockout.