Will Lara Revisit Unification With Alimkhanuly?
In his latest tour of duty, WBA middleweight champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara defeated Johan Gonzalez by way of UD. Despite Lara scoring a couple of knockdowns, the fight was a painfully dull affair. Resulting in loud boos from the fans in attendance. The Cuban may retire or wait for IBF champion Janibek Alimkhanuly to be cleared for unification bout.
This was his fourth defense of the WBA title after securing the regular title from Thomas LaManna well back on May 1, 2021. If judging by his recent activity levels, we should not be surprised if Lara is out of the ring for and extended period or flat out retires.
This duel with Gonzalez was his first and last of the year, and his first bout since September 14, 2024. He fought twice that year and none in 2023, and once in 2021 and 2020. At two years north of 42, it would not be surprising to hear a retirement announcement in the near future.
Team Lara could try to revisit their original fight with IBF middleweight champion, Alimkhanuly. Their fight was called off when Alimkhanuly was flagged for PEDs’ use. Obviously, Alimkhanuly will have to exonerate himself from this situation before anything of substance can be worked out with Lara.
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