MAURICIO LARA had to be separated from Josh Warrington by security moments after his brutal knockout of Leigh Wood.

The Mexican mauler ripped the WBA featherweight title from Wood with a brutal left hook in the seventh round of their Nottingham dust-up.

Former foe Warrington was ringside for Lara's coronation on enemy soil - which almost ended with a post-fight punch-up.

The pair came face-to-face after Lara left the ring but were held back by the heavies at the Motorpoint Arena.

But a fired-up Lara managed to SPIT at Leeds lion Warrington before they went their separate ways.

Warrington told said: "As soon as the fight’s been waved off, he looks over to me. He sees me.

"I thought he was looking over at times in between the fight.

"I got off my stool, his head goes forward, and he spat on me.

"You know, I can have a little bit of pantomime – shouting and screaming – but somebody spitting on me?

"I’m not having it. It’s got to the stage now that he wants to finish my career – and I’m more than happy to let him have that opportunity.”

Lara admitted to gobbing on Warrington, telling iFL TV when asked about the incident: "Of course I did.

“Because it’s personal between me and him. That’s the way it will always be.

"Of course, I do [want to fight him again]. I’m after you [Warrington]. I’m coming for you.”

Lara and Warrington's clash has paved the way for a mouthwatering trilogy fight, which could potentially take place later this year.

But the rematch clause Wood had placed in his contract to face the Mexican could delay a third showdown.

After his heartbreaking defeat, Wood said: "I am a fighter I wanted to keep going but congratulations to Mauricio Lara.

"I made a mistake and I paid for it. I want the rematch."