Eddie Hearn has had some very kind words to say about one of his new world champions.

The head honcho of Matchroom Boxing was ringside in Nottingham last weekend as Leigh Wood’s reign as WBA featherweight king came to an end at the hands of Mauricio Lara.

Hearn has both fighters tied to deals –– with a rematch clause included in the contract in favour of Wood as champion going into the fight –– but it seems the Brentwood-born promoter has big plans for the Mexican danger man.

“This is just the beginning, if you choose to live the life,” Hearn told Lara, who dethroned Wood at the Motorpoint Arena last Saturday, exclusively live on DAZN, and turned 25 on Thursday.

“[Lara has] a big chance now,” he added, urging him not to “waste” the opportunity that has been handed to him in the wake of his shock February 2021 win over former IBF featherweight champion Josh Warrington.

Hearn was greeted by warm smiles from Lara, who stated his intention to improve, despite probably being the best 126-pound fighter on the planet today based on resume.

“I want to be the best,” Lara said during a clip captured on the behind-the-scenes fight night video posted to Matchroom’s YouTube channel. “I want to be the best and that’s how it’s going to be.”