WBA Regular super-welterweight champion Erislandy Lara is focusing on unifications and marquee fights at either 154lbs or 160lbs in the near future.
The skilful but widely-avoided Lara has been back to what is known as ‘The House of Fundamentals’, working under the guidance of famed Cuban coach Ismael Salas in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Lara (26-3-3, 15 KOs) is now ready to impress when he meets American Greg Vendetti at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Saturday, with the vacant IBO title also on the line.
“I have really enjoyed training camp for this fight,” Lara told Boxing Social. “I have enjoyed working with my trainer Ismael Salas and I feel that I am still improving as a fighter. I look forward to showing off these improvements on Saturday night.
“I don’t know too much about Greg Vendetti, but that has motivated me in training. I never overlook any opponent, so I have worked hard as I want to make a statement and show people I am the best super-welterweight on the planet, which I still feel I am.
“You don’t get easy world title fights. So I won’t underestimate the task at hand on Saturday night, but I believe I will put on a career-best performance and become a unified world champion again.”
Regular crown in August 2019. Photo: Stephanie Trapp/TGB Promotions.
The Cuban has mixed it with many of the leading lights at 154lbs, most notably Canelo Alvarez in a 12-rounder many saw Lara winning in July 2014. He is now angling for the best across two divisions as boxing inches towards normality after the chaos wrought by the Covid-19 Pandemic.
“I am very grateful to be getting a big fight on television when not many fighters are, so I deeply appreciate this opportunity,” said Lara. “I have to thank my training and management team, PBC and Fox for giving me this opportunity this Saturday night.
“I want to continue to unify the division. This is my goal is to hold all the belts. I would fight Canelo again if I was offered it. I want the best at 154 and maybe 160. Who knows what the future holds in these times, but I believe the future will see me become a unified champion once more.
“I want the big names, [Jeison] Rosario, [Jermell] Charlo are fights I would like, but my focus right now is on Saturday and making sure I leave the ring as unified world champion. That is my sole focus right now.”
Main image and all photos: Stephanie Trapp/TGB Promotions.