Erislandy Lara Cruises by Greg Vendetti
WBA regular junior middleweight champion Erislandy Lara (26-3-3, 15KOs) returned to the ring nearly a year since his last fight. He would take on the challenge of Greg Vendetti (22-3-1, 12KOs).
A big favorite, the champ came out true to form – pumping his jab and shooting his sharp straight left hand. Early in the first round, the Cuban champion would land a straight left that appeared to shake up Vendetti. Vendetti, who is the shorter man, would have consistent trouble getting on the inside. Although, at times he would land an occasional left hook and some right hands.
Often lunging, Vendetti would find himself being welcomed with left uppercuts thrown with bad intentions. Lara would patiently lay back and punish with uppercuts and body shots whenever Vendetti came in.
After 12 rounds of Lara-dominated action, he would be announced as the winner by way of a unanimous decision. The scores read 116-112 and 117-111 twice. The win puts him in position to face the winner of the Jermell Charlo v Jesion Rosario September 26 unification bout.
By: Jerrell Fletcher
