Is Erislandy Lara Ready For Greg Vendetti, Future Title Fights?
A former WBA and IBO Light-Middleweight Champion, Erislandy Lara is looking to add onto his resume by facing some of the top fighters out there. By overcoming one challenge on August 29, he will be one step closer to his goal.
Lara (26-3-3) is set to defend the WBA Light-Middleweight Title against Greg Vendetti. The fight will also be for the IBO Light-Middleweight Title. Speaking with The Ring, Lara discussed what his game plan is for his upcoming fight. Lara also discussed future plans for himself.
“My job is to fight whoever they put in front of me regardless of whether he has a notable name or not,” said Lara. “Right now it’s very difficult to get any of the top guys in the ring with me because they have too many [financial] expectations. I’m going to focus on Vendetti and move on from there.”
Making his professional debut in 2008, Lara’s biggest test was in 2014 when he lost to Canelo Alvarez via split decision. The 37-year-old rebounded by beating Ishe Smith and Delvin Rodriguez, the latter for the IBO Light-Middleweight Title. Lara was on a six-fight win streak following the Canelo bout before losing to IBF Light-Middleweight Champion Jarrett Hurd in 2018, losing his titles.
After the Hurd bout, Lara fought Brian Castano to a split decision draw in March 2019. His last bout was a TKO win over Canelo’s brother Ramon for the WBA Light-Middleweight Title. Lara is hoping a win can bring him closer to unification fights. He has his eyes set on the winner of WBC Light-Middleweight Champion Jermell Charlo v. WBA and IBF Light-Middleweight Champion Jeison Rosario.
“I firmly believe that I can be the undisputed best fighter in this division,” Lara stated during a media conference call. “Most of the other champions haven’t faced me yet. We’ll see how it plays out, but I believe that I can come out on top against anybody at any time in a very competitive division.”
In his way is Vendetti (22-3-1), who is currently on a two-fight win streak. The 30-year-old last fought in July 2019, beating Michal Anderson via unanimous decision. The fight was for the IBA Super-Welterweight Title. Vendetti has 12 wins via knockout.
At 37, Lara knows that the younger fighters are looking to take over. That is why he has been working extremely hard to reach his goals.
“I think it’s very important to look good in this fight,” Lara went on to say. “As I’m getting older, I’ve been working on my inside game a lot. Fans will see me engage more.”
The fight between Lara and Vendetti will be takin place inside the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. It will be a PBC on FOX-collaborated event.