Erislandy Lara dominates Ramon Alvarez!
Erislandy Lara at one point was the top dog in the junior middleweight division. Having been a WBA champion since 2014 (super champion since 2017), many felt he was the best junior middleweight around!
That was until he fought then IBF champion Jarrett Hurd in what would be Lara’s first unification bout of his career. He would go on to lose a close split-decision but many felt he could have taken the victory.
Then in his last fight, he looked a bit old en route to a draw against then virtually unknown WBA regular champion Brian Castano. At this point, many felt Lara may be done!
Once news broke that Castano was stripped of his title for not agreeing to face mandatory Michel Soro in a rematch, Lara would get be given a bone in becoming the next fighter to fight for the vacant title.
His opponent, the older brother of former foe Canelo Alvarez, Ramon! While Ramon Alvarez had decent moments in an eleven year career, he has never been one that fans would say is elite…or even ‘B’ level!
An Easy Victory
This would show as the 33 year-old looked 43 as he was overweight and overmatched against the former champion. It took two rounds for Lara to land his signature straight left hand followed by a blistering combination that nearly sent Alvarez through the ropes.
Following the standing eight count, Lara would finish off his opponent right where he stood. The referee stepped in after a nearly eight punch combination went unanswered.
Lara would go on to regain the title he once claimed in 2014 and a portion of the version he had in 2017.
He is now the secondary champion to super title holder Julian “J-Rock” Williams. When asked who he would like to fight next, Lara claimed he would fight anyone at junior middleweight.
However, understanding the other champions are currently tied up in rematches, he named big-named fighters outside the division as well. IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr and a rematch with WBA middle and super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez are two fighters he expressed interest in.
Unfortunately, both of those fighters are tied up with obligations as well. While it’s good for Lara to have become the regular champion, he may have to wait for sometime before he gets that big-name he craves in the ring.
By: EJ Williams
