WBA Regular 154lbs champion Erislandy Lara had few problems with Massachusetts’ unsung Greg Vendetti, prevailing with his vaunted slickness and mobility at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Saturday night. Scores were 117-111 (twice) and 116-112.
Despite being 37, the Cuban maestro’s legs showed no sign of slowing down as he fired off quick counters and ghosted away from Vendetti (22-4-1, 12 KOs), who could never draw the champion into the war of attrition he required to prevail.
“Tonight, I dominated the fight,” said Lara (27-3-3, 15 KOs) afterwards. “After this performance, I’m looking to step in the ring with any of the other champions.
“I definitely want the winner of Jermell Charlo vs Jeison Rosario [who unify on September 26]. If that fight can be made, I’ll be ready to go.”
In the co-main event, late sub Vladimir Hernandez (12-4, 6 KOs) upset veteran Alfredo Angulo in a super-middleweight encounter. Scores were 98-92 (three times).
Already on stand-by, Hernandez (12-4, 6 KOs) stepped in on Friday after original opponent Caleb Truax withdrew after suffering from dehydration. Suddenly, Angulo had gone from an IBF 168lbs title eliminator and the brink of fighting champion Caleb Plant to a potential banana skin, and he slipped.
Hernandez started and finished strongly as Angulo (26-8, 21 KOs) threatened to take over in the middle rounds. Fellow Mexican Angulo landed more blows, according to Compubox punch stats, but overall struggled with momentum as Hernandez applied pressure late on.
Main image: Lara (left) schools Vendetti. Photo: Sean Michael Ham/TGB Promotions.