Erislandy Lara

Last updated
Erislandy Lara
Born
Erislandy Lara Santoya

(1983-04-11) 11 April 1983 (age 41)
Guantanamo, Cuba
Nationality
  • Cuban (until 2017) [1]
  • American (since 2017) [1]
Other names
  • El Oro de Guantanamo
  • The American Dream
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height5 ft 9 in (175 cm) [2]
Reach75+1⁄2 in (192 cm) [2]
Stance Southpaw
Boxing record
Total fights36
Wins30
Wins by KO18
Losses3
Draws3
Medal record
Men's amateur boxing
Representing Flag of Cuba.svg  Cuba
World Championships
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2005 Mianyang Welterweight
Central American and Caribbean Games
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2006 Cartagena Welterweight
World Cup
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg 2005 Moscow Welterweight
Erislandy Lara Erislandy Lara.jpg
Erislandy Lara

Erislandy Lara Santoya (born 11 April 1983) is a Cuban-American [3] professional boxer who is the current WBA middleweight champion, having held the title since 2021. He has held multiple world championships in two weight classes. Previously he held various versions (both Regular and Super) of the WBA light middleweight title between 2014 and 2021, and the IBO light middleweight title twice between 2015 and 2021. As of May 2022, Lara is ranked as the world's fifth-best active middleweight by BoxRec. [4]

Contents

Lara is regarded by some as one of the most technically skilled fighters in boxing today. [5] He was captain of the Cuban national amateur team, winning a gold medal in the welterweight division at the 2005 World Championships as well as three consecutive Cuban national championships from 2005 to 2007. [6]

Amateur career

In 2003 and 2004, Lara lost four times against two-time world champion Lorenzo Aragón.

In 2005 after Aragon stepped down, Lara bested his countryman Yudel Jhonson Cedeno repeatedly and was sent to the world championships. There he avenged an earlier loss to Russian Andrey Balanov, beat American Boyd Melson, upset top favorite and Olympic champion Bakhtiyar Artayev (31–22), and won Gold against Magomed Nurutdinov (BLR).

Lara has lost twice to another Kazakh, Bakhyt Sarsekbayev. In their only meeting, Lara beat American world champion Demetrius Andrade 9–4.

Highlights

Boxing World Cup results 2005

Defection

Lara was considered a favorite to win the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. However, in 2007, Lara and Guillermo Rigondeaux defected from Cuba during the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Some weeks later, he was caught by Brazilian authorities and returned to Cuba where he was banned from practicing boxing indefinitely.

In 2008, Lara attempted a second defection, this time on a speed boat to Mexico. Lara was successful and made his way to Hamburg, Germany, where he joined former Olympic champions Odlanier Solis, Yan Bartelemí, and Yuriorkis Gamboa in the Arena Box-Promotion stable.

Professional career

Early career

On 1 January 2009, Lara made his ESPN debut and scored a first-round Technical knockout (TKO) against Rodrigo Aguiar. Lara's following fight came on 20 February 2009, against Keith Gross. Lara dropped Gross with a left hand, but Gross beat the count on wobbly legs. Lara continued unleashing combinations to the head and body. A left uppercut finished the fight within round one. On 2 May 2009, on the Pacquiao vs. Hatton undercard, Lara faced Chris Gray. Lara won the fight via unanimous decision. On 22 May 2009, Lara faced aging Edwin Vazquez. Lara finished the fight with good combinations, prompting the referee to stop the fight in round four. On that same night, fellow Cuban boxer Guillermo Rigondeaux made his pro debut, which he also won via referee stoppage in the third round. After beating Edwin Vazquez, Lara went on to win nine straight fights punctuated by four consecutive first-round knockout victories.

Rise up the ranks

Lara vs. Molina, Williams

On 25 March 2011, at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, Lara fought Carlos Molina to a ten-round majority draw. Lara started by frequently targeting Molina's body with the left uppercut when Molina would attempt to close the distance. Early on, Molina seemed to predict and nullify much of Lara's attempted one-two combinations. Although Lara had trouble connecting with his signature straight left hand initially, he found the distance by the middle rounds and began to mix in short hooks to the head while blocking most of Molina's constant body work. Molina, on the other hand, was rarely able to find Lara's head throughout the entire fight. Relying on looping punches, Molina stayed close and took advantage of the clinches to land to the body. Visibly fatigued, Molina developed a cut under his left eye near the beginning of the ninth round as Lara landed a hard, clean, straight left hand and pushed the pace. Molina's higher output and pressure were favored by one judge while Lara's cleaner, sharper output and defense went largely unnoticed by ringside commentators. The final scorecards read: 95–95, 95–95, and 97–93 in favor of Molina. [7] [8]

Lara fought former WBO welterweight champion Paul Williams on 9 July 2011, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, where he lost a majority decision. Judges Don Givens (116–114) and Hilton Whitaker II (115–114) both favored Williams, while Al Bennett scored it even at 114–114. [9] Most boxing analysts and fans believed that Lara clearly won the fight and had been unfairly judged. Lara was able to land hard, clean left hands throughout the fight while maintaining superb defense. Williams appeared hurt in the later rounds but did, however, keep up a high output of punches despite their relative ineffectiveness. CompuBox recorded Lara landing 49% of his power punches compared to 21% by Williams. Lara also landed 7 more jabs and 17 more power punches than Williams, despite the near two-fold activity by Williams. [10] Consequently, the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board suspended all three judges, and Lara received his first loss as a professional fighter in a highly controversial fashion. [11] [12]

Lara vs. Hearns, Martirosyan

On 20 April 2012, Lara made his comeback to the ring after nine months to fight Ronald Hearns for the WBC super welterweight semi-final eliminator spot at the Beau Rivage casino resort in Biloxi, Mississippi. [13] [14] The fight, which was scheduled to go ten rounds, simply lasted one minute and 34 seconds as Lara delivered an impressive TKO in the first round. Referee Keith Hughes decided to stop the fight after Lara had sent Hearns to the canvas with a clean left hook, following the eight-count by the referee, Lara immediately delivered two fast combinations (one of which also required a count) that seemed to be enough to overwhelm Hearns, who seconds before the stoppage appeared to be defenseless upon Lara's final combination. [15]

On 10 November 2012, at the Wynn Resort in Las Vegas, Lara faced Vanes Martirosyan, who was undefeated at the time and known for his amateur wins over Andre Berto, Austin Trout, and Timothy Bradley. [16] [17] Lara connected on 42% of his power punches (40/95) while Martirosyan landed 16% of his (27/167) and only 6 jabs throughout the entire fight, according to CompuBox. Lara outlanded Martirosyan in overall punches, 74 to 33. [18] After a clash of heads resulted in a gash over Martirosyan's left eye in the ninth round, the ringside doctor waved off the fight. The referee ordered the judges to score the final 26 seconds of the bout, which resulted in a technical draw (87–84 in favor of Lara, 86–85 in favor of Martirosyan, and 86–86). Dave Moretti was responsible for the tied scorecard and judged the ninth round as 10–10, disagreeing with the other two judges who scored the final 26 seconds as 10–9 for Lara. [19] [20]

WBA light middleweight champion

Lara vs. Angulo, Trout

On 8 June 2013, at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California, Lara received the first two knockdowns of his professional career en route to earning a TKO victory over Mexico's Alfredo Angulo along with the interim WBA super welterweight title. [21] Angulo's left hook was vicious as he rushed in, guarded and low. Lara, in return, was able to utilize zigzag formations and vary the speed of his movement to bait Angulo's aggression. However, Lara struggled with the aggression of Angulo at times and was put on the canvas in rounds 4 and 9 courtesy of Angulo's vaunted left hook. [22] Lara landed 56% of his power punches while Angulo landed 31% of his, according to CompuBox. [23] The fight was stopped in round ten when Angulo refused to continue after a straight left hand by Lara caused swelling around his right eye. Angulo's injury was later revealed to be a broken orbital bone. [24]

On 7 December 2013, Lara fought Austin Trout at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. [25] Considered the favorite to win, Trout had recently beaten Miguel Cotto. Lara, however, put on a dominant performance as he immediately nullified Trout's offense using deft footwork and clean punching. In outclassing Trout, Lara scored a knockdown in round eleven via straight left hand. Trout was hurt for the remainder of the round as Lara pressed the action. Lara cruised to the unanimous decision (117–111, 117–111, and 118–109) and retained his WBA interim super welterweight title. [26]

Lara vs. Álvarez

Lara fought Canelo Álvarez on 12 July 2014, at the MGM Grand in a non-title match. Lara's WBA super welterweight title was not on the line as the fight took place at a 155-pound catchweight, and both fighters weighed in at precisely 155 pounds. Álvarez rehydrated to 171 pounds while Lara came into the ring at 166 pounds. In a very close and competitive fight that went to a split decision, Álvarez came out on top with two judges scoring 115–113 in favor of each fighter and the final judge scoring 117–111 in favor of Álvarez. [27] The final scorecard was controversial as many observers considered it far too wide. According to CompuBox, Lara landed 55 jabs to nine from Álvarez, who landed the jab at a 5% connect rate. Álvarez managed to land 88 power punches (73 to the body) while Lara landed 53 power punches all to the head. Lara's clean punching along with his defense and movement were weighed against Álvarez's effective aggressiveness. [28] Lara came out in dominant fashion, utilizing a stick-and-move style and capturing the early rounds. Álvarez was later able to hammer away to the body when he had Lara on the ropes but never adjusted to Lara's one-two combinations. Lara's lead hand played a huge role in this combination's effectiveness, but his output dropped in the middle rounds. Álvarez was able to cut Lara with a lead left uppercut in the seventh round. [29] Although the decision remains controversial, any talk of a rematch in the future was dismissed by Oscar De La Hoya who went on to say, "No one wants a rematch." [30] This fight resulted in Lara's second professional loss.

Lara vs. Smith

On 12 December 2014, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, Lara showcased his ability to move in range to punch and then swiftly escape without taking damage against Ishe Smith. [31] Lara consistently landed the straight left hand after “blinding” or “occupying” Smith's guard with the lead hand. Lara would move in a forward direction towards Smith and escape in a linear direction, oftentimes sidestepping, while landing the one-two combination. This lateral movement was enhanced by Lara's wide boxing stance, which also enhanced Lara's punching power. Lara was frequently able to turn Smith into additional punches by stepping around Smith's lead foot, thus enabling Lara to set traps. [32] Lara dominated the fight and successfully defended his WBA (Regular) super welterweight title by unanimous decision with the scorecards reading: 119–109, 119–109, and 117–111. [33]

WBA and IBO super welterweight champion

Lara vs. Rodríguez, Zaveck

On 12 June 2015, Lara defended his WBA (Regular) super welterweight title and won the vacant IBO title against Delvin Rodríguez at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago. In a technical exhibition, Lara's exquisite timing and fast hands allowed him to out land Rodríguez 233 to 63 in total punches and connect on 62% of his power punches. Lara was able to score a knockdown in round six via straight left hand. In a virtual shutout, Lara earned a unanimous decision with all three judges agreeing 120–107. [34]

On 25 November 2015, Lara defended his WBA and IBO super welterweight titles against Jan Zaveck in Hialeah, Florida. On a wetted canvas due to prior heavy rain, Lara began by walking down Zaveck who was relying on wide punches. Lara continued to stay in the pocket and countered Zaveck, halting his aggression. At the end of round two, Zaveck was hurt after Lara split his jab with a clean left hand. Lara landed a straight left hand at the start of round three followed by a series of combinations punctuating with an uppercut at which point Zaveck put his hand out, turned away, and refused to continue. Zaveck appeared to be in quite a lot of pain after the fight, which was stopped 41 seconds into round three. [35] [36]

Lara vs. Martirosyan II

It was announced that Lara would be defending his titles in a rematch from 2012 with Vanes Martirosyan, which ended in a draw. The fight was to take place as part of a triple header also including the Charlo twins and Austin Trout. [37] The fight took place on 21 May 2016, in Las Vegas. On fight night, Lara unofficially weighed 160.5 pounds while Martirosyan came in at 170 pounds. Martirosyan spent much of the fight attempting to impose his strength and body work on Lara. As a result, Martirosyan inadvertently landed multiple low blows until he was deducted a point in the eleventh round. The bout was also plagued by head clashes much like during their previous encounter. In the early rounds both men stayed in perfect range, each relying on their own reflexes and quick transitions from defense to offense. Lara found openings for his sharp punches. As the fight progressed, he was more mobile and dictated the pace, outmaneuvering Martirosyan while managing to land flashy 1-2-1 combinations. After seizing ring generalship, Paulie Malignaggi noted Lara's "fluid footwork" and a resemblance to Pernell Whitaker as he often ducked low and displayed tricky pivot moves to evade Martirosyan's punches by inches. Lara landed 63 jabs and 60% of his power punches to Martirosyan's 16 jabs and 23% power punch connect rate. [38] The fight averaged 491,000 viewers and peaked at 545,000 viewers. [39]

Lara vs. Foreman

Early reports on 30 November 2016, stated that there were talks of Lara to defend his WBA and IBO titles against former WBA super welterweight champion Yuri Foreman (34–2, 10 KOs). Lara's team was also in talks with Luis Collazo. [40] It was confirmed that the fight against Foreman would headline the Premier Boxing Champions on 13 January 2017. The fight was held at the Hialeah Park Racing and Casino in Miami, Florida, in front of a largely Cuban crowd. [41] Foreman was knocked down in round three. Upon closer inspection, the fall could easily have been ruled a slip. Lara won the fight after delivering a knockout in the fourth round via left uppercut. Although Foreman beat the count, he was on unsteady legs after multiple attempts to get back up. The referee promptly waved off the bout. In the post-fight interview, Lara expressed his desire to finally face off with unified middleweight titlist Gennady Golovkin and rematch lineal middleweight titlist Canelo Álvarez. [42] [43] The fight averaged 547,000 viewers on Spike TV and peaked at 707,000. [44]

Lara vs. Gausha

It was confirmed on 24 August 2017, by Ringtv that Lara would fight former Olympian Terrell Gausha (20–0, 9 KOs) as part of a super welterweight triple header on 14 October 2017, at the Barclays Center in New York City. Other fights on the card would include Jermell Charlo's mandatory title defence against top prospect Erickson Lubin and Jarrett Hurd defending his IBF title against former champion Austin Trout. [45] In front of 7,643, Lara knocked down Gausha en route to a 12-round unanimous decision to retain his world titles. Lara used his accurate jab and left hand putting on a clinic winning with the scorecards 116-111 and 117-110 twice in his favour. Lara connected with a left hook followed by a left straight, which floored Gausha in the fourth round. Lara landed 121 of 528 punches (23%), while Gausha connected with 77 of 329 (23%), which appeared to do little damage. Lara praised his opponent in the post-fight interview, "We want to give a lot of credit to Gausha. He's an Olympian. I take the rhythm of the boxing match, and that's when I take over. He's fighting with the best in the division. He's not a stupid fighter, but he knew who he was facing today." Lara earned $700,000 for the fight and Gausha had a $250,000 purse. [46] [47] This fight, which was the main event of a triple header, averaged 399,000 viewers and peaked at 476,000 viewers on Showhtime. [48]

Lara vs. Hurd

Demetrius Andrade vacated his WBA (Regular) title on 22 October 2017, after making his debut at middleweight. The WBA, in their efforts to reduce the number of titles in each weight division, promoted Interim titleholder Brian Castaño (14–0, 10 KOs) to WBA (Regular) champion. [49] On 29 October, the WBA ordered the fight between Lara and Castaño. [50] On 9 January 2018, it was confirmed that a deal was being put in place for a unification fight between Lara and IBF junior middleweight champion Jarrett Hurd (21–0, 15 KO) for April 2018 with Showtime televising the bout. [51] On 25 January, the fight was confirmed to take place on 7 April. [52] [53] It was reported Lara would receive a purse of $1 million and Hurd would receive a $500,000 purse. Lara weighed 153.5 pounds and Hurd came in slightly lighter at 153 pounds. [54]

Hurd won a 12-round split decision over Lara in what was a potential fight of a year candidate to become a unified light middleweight champion. With the fight in the balance, Hurd knocked Lara down with a short left hook in round 12 with a minute remaining. Lara was hurt from the knockdown, but was able to get up and still throw some nice shots. Hurd dominated the final round. Two judges scored the fight 114-113 for Hurd and the third judge had the same score for Lara, meaning the knockdown was the deciding factor in the fight. A lot of rounds where close with Lara using effective counter punching and combinations, whereas Hurd used his size to stalk Lara and land power shots. [55] Lara's right eye began to swell from round 7 and was eventually cut at the start of round 12. Lara started the fight the better boxer of the two, due to Hurd not putting as much pressure on Lara until the later rounds. [56] With the win, Hurd became seventh unified world title holder in light middleweight history, joining Hall of Famers Terry Norris, Félix Trinidad, Oscar De La Hoya and Winky Wright, as well as Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Canelo Álvarez.

Despite the knockdown, Lara thought he had a good enough lead to win the fight. Had Lara not been knocked down, the fight would have finished a majority draw with both boxers keeping their respective belts. In regards to the decision, Lara said, "Besides the last round, I thought I was winning this fight easily. That's not to decide the fight. One punch in a fight doesn't determine the fight. One hundred percent I want the rematch. The problem was the cut on the eye. I couldn't see in the last round." After the fight, Hurd said, "It was a tough one, but I went out there and did exactly what I said I was going to do -- fight all 12 rounds and get the victory. I didn't feel like that [12th-round knockdown for the win]. I feel like I was in control the whole fight, applying the pressure." According to CompuBox statistics, Hurd landed 217 of 824 punches thrown (26%) and Lara landed 176 of his 572 thrown (31%). Hurd outlanded Lara 106-71 in the final four rounds, with 96 being power shots compared to Lara's 58 power punches. [57] [58] The fight, televised on Showtime, averaged 490,000 viewers and peaked at 521,000 viewers. [59]

Although the WBA ordered a direct rematch between Lara and Hurd, the latter rejected the idea stating he wanted to move on to bigger fights to become undisputed light middleweight champion. [60]

Later career

In October 2018, at the WBC annual convention in Kyiv, it was announced that Jermell Charlo would be allowed to make another voluntary defence and Lara was ordered to fight Julian Williams (25-1-1, 15 KOs, 1 NC) in a final eliminator. At the time, Williams was already IBF's #1 ranked. [61] On 30 October, according to Brian Castaño's manager Sebastian Contursis, a deal was being worked out to have Castaño fight Lara. A date in January 2019 was being discussed. In order for Castaño to defend his WBA (Regular) belt against Lara, the WBA granted him a special permit. [62]

Lara vs. Castano

On 2 March 2019, Lara faced Brian Castano for the WBA world super welterweight title and fought to a split-decision draw. One judge had it 115-113 for Lara, one had it 115-113 for Castano while the third judge saw it as a draw, scoring the fight 114-114. The split-decision draw was met with approval from both boxing fans and pundits alike. [63]

Lara vs. Alvarez

In his next fight, Lara ranked #2 by the WBA at super welterweight, fought Ramon Alvarez, the brother of Canelo Alvarez, who was ranked #6 by the WBA, for the vacant WBA super welterweight title. [64] Lara labeled the fight personal because of his history with the Alvarez family. Lara dominated the fight and stopped Alvarez within two rounds, to earn yet another title belt in his career. [65]

Lara vs. Vendetti

In his first title defence, Lara faced WBA #11, Greg Vendetti. [66] Vendetti showed a lot of courage and fight, but Lara was simply too good for him, outboxing him in almost every round of the fight. All three judges saw it that way, as Lara won the fight via unanimous decision in his second successful title defence. [67]

WBA middleweight champion

Lara vs. Zerafa

On March 30, 2024 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Lara defeated Michael Zerafa via second-round TKO and made the second successful defense of his WBA middleweight title. [68]

Professional boxing record

36 fights30 wins3 losses
By knockout180
By decision123
Draws3
No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
36Win30–3–3 Michael Zerafa TKO2 (12), 2:5930 Mar 2024 T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Retained WBA middleweight title
35Win29–3–3 Gary O'Sullivan TKO8 (12), 0:2328 May 2022 Barclays Center, New York City, New York, U.S.Retained WBA (Regular) middleweight title
34Win28–3–3Thomas LaMannaKO1 (12), 1:201 May 2021 Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, California, U.S.Won vacant WBA (Regular) middleweight title
33Win27–3–3Greg VendettiUD1229 Aug 2020 Microsoft Theater, Los Angeles, California, U.S.Retained WBA (Regular) light middleweight title;
Won vacant IBO light middleweight title
32Win26–3–3 Ramón Álvarez TKO2 (12), 2:0331 Aug 2019 Minneapolis Armory, Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.Won vacant WBA (Regular) light middleweight title
31Draw25–3–3 Brian Castaño SD122 Mar 2019Barclays Center, New York City, New York, U.S.For WBA (Regular) light middleweight title
30Loss25–3–2 Jarrett Hurd SD127 Apr 2018The Joint, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Lost WBA (Super) and IBO light middleweight titles;
For IBF light middleweight title
29Win25–2–2 Terrell Gausha UD1214 Oct 2017Barclays Center, New York City, New York, U.S.Retained WBA (Super) and IBO light middleweight titles
28Win24–2–2 Yuri Foreman KO4 (12), 1:4713 Jan 2017Park Race Track, Hialeah, Florida, U.S.Retained WBA (Super) and IBO light middleweight titles
27Win23–2–2 Vanes Martirosyan UD1221 May 2016Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Retained WBA and IBO light middleweight titles
26Win22–2–2 Jan Zaveck TKO3 (12), 0:4125 Nov 2015 Park Race Track, Hialeah, Florida, U.S.Retained WBA (Regular) and IBO light middleweight titles
25Win21–2–2 Delvin Rodríguez UD1212 Jun 2015UIC Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Retained WBA (Regular) light middleweight title;
Won vacant IBO light middleweight title
24Win20–2–2 Ishe Smith UD1212 Dec 2014 Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.Retained WBA (Regular) light middleweight title
23Loss19–2–2 Canelo Álvarez SD1212 Jul 2014MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
22Win19–1–2 Austin Trout UD127 Dec 2013 Barclays Center, New York City, New York, U.S.Retained WBA interim light middleweight title
21Win18–1–2 Alfredo Angulo TKO10 (12), 1:118 Jun 2013 Home Depot Center, Carson, California, U.S.Won vacant WBA interim light middleweight title
20Draw17–1–2 Vanes Martirosyan TD9 (12), 0:2610 Nov 2012 Wynn Las Vegas, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Split TD: Martirosyan cut from an accidental head clash
19Win17–1–1 Freddy Hernández UD1030 Jun 2012Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Indio, California, U.S.
18Win16–1–1 Ronald Hearns TKO1 (10), 1:3420 Apr 2012 Beau Rivage, Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S.
17Loss15–1–1 Paul Williams MD129 Jul 2011 Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
16Draw15–0–1 Carlos Molina MD1025 Mar 2011 Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
15Win15–0Delray RainesKO1 (10), 2:5914 Jan 2011 Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Indio, California, U.S.
14Win14–0Tim ConnorsTKO1 (10), 1:38 27 Nov 2010 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Won vacant WBA Fedelatin light middleweight title
13Win13–0Willie LeeTKO1 (10), 1:4818 Aug 2010 Civic Center, Monroe, Louisiana, U.S.
12Win12–0William CorreaTKO1 (10), 2:349 Jul 2010Softball Country Arena, Denver, Colorado, U.S.
11Win11–0Danny PerezUD102 Apr 2010The Joint, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
10Win10–0 Grady Brewer TKO10 (10), 2:4429 Jan 2010 The Joint, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
9Win9–0Luciano PerezUD1012 Dec 2009 UIC Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
8Win8–0Jose VarelaKO1 (8), 2:12 19 Sep 2009 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
7Win7–0 Darnell Boone UD617 Jul 2009 Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
6Win6–0Edwin VazquezTKO4 (8), 1:1322 May 2009 Fontainebleau Hotel, Miami Beach, Florida, U.S.
5Win5–0Chris GrayUD4 2 May 2009 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
4Win4–0Keith GrossKO1 (4), 1:0920 Feb 2009 Don Taft University Center, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S.
3Win3–0Rodrigo AguiarTKO1 (4), 2:599 Jan 2009 Buffalo Bill's, Primm, Nevada, U.S.
2Win2–0Deniss AleksejevsTKO1 (4), 2:1912 Sep 2008Kugelbake-Halle, Cuxhaven, Germany
1Win1–0Ivan MaslovPTS44 Jul 2008Buyuk Anadolu Hotel, Ankara, Turkey

Pay-per-view bouts

United States
DateFightBillingBuysNetworkRevenue
12 July 2014
Canelo vs. LaraHonor and Glory300,000 [69] Showtime $17,997,000

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Gilberto Ramírez Sánchez is a Mexican professional boxer who has held the World Boxing Association (WBA) cruiserweight title since March 2024. He previously held the WBO super middleweight title from 2016 to 2019, and is the first boxer from Mexico to win a major world title in those weight classes. As of November 2022, Ramírez is ranked as the world's third best active light heavyweight by The Ring magazine, the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board, and BoxRec.

Austin Dwayne Trout is an American professional boxer and bare-knuckle boxer. In boxing he held the World Boxing Association (WBA) light middleweight title from 2011 to 2013. He extended his championship legacy by winning the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) welterweight title in 2024.

José Manuel "Josesito" López is an American professional boxer and former world title challenger.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Delvin Rodríguez</span> Dominican Republic boxer

Delvin Antonio Rodríguez is a Dominican professional boxer who has challenged three times for a world title.

Jermell DeAvante Charlo is an American professional boxer. He has held the Ring magazine junior middleweight title since 2020, and previously the undisputed championship in that weight class from 2022 to 2023.

Terrell Maurice Gausha is an American professional boxer who challenged for the WBA and IBO light middleweight titles in 2017. As an amateur he represented the United States at the 2012 Summer Olympics in the middleweight division.

Jermall Charlo is an American professional boxer. He has held world championships in two weight classes, including the WBC middleweight title since 2019 and previously the IBF light middleweight title from 2015 to 2017. His identical twin brother, Jermell Charlo, is also a professional boxer and unified WBC, WBA (Super) and IBF light middleweight world champion.

Erickson Lubin is an American professional boxer who challenged for the WBC super welterweight title in 2017. As of January 2022, he is ranked as the world's fourth best active super welterweight by The Ring magazine seventh by BoxRec, and third by the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jarrett Hurd</span> American boxer

Jarrett Hurd is an American professional boxer. He is a former unified light middleweight world champion, having held the WBA (Super), IBF and IBO titles between 2017 and 2019. In September 2019, Hurd was ranked as the world's second best active light middleweight by The Ring magazine, fourth best by the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board, and sixth by BoxRec.

Anthony David Benavidez is an American professional boxer. He is a three-time WBC super middleweight champion, having held the title from 2017 to 2018 and again from 2019 to 2020. Claiming his first belt at 20 years, eight months, three weeks and one day old, Benavidez holds the record as the youngest super middleweight title holder in history. He is ranked second by The Ring, second by the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board, and fourth by BoxRec.

Brian Carlos Castaño is an Argentine professional boxer. He held the WBO light middleweight title between 2021 and 2022 and previously held the WBA interim light middleweight title from 2016 to 2018, and the WBA (Regular) light middleweight title from 2018 to 2019. As of November 2020, he is ranked as the world's fifth best active light middleweight by The Ring magazine, the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board and third by BoxRec.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canelo Álvarez vs. Billy Joe Saunders</span> May 8, 2021, boxing competition

Canelo Álvarez vs. Billy Joe Saunders, billed as Face the Fearless, was a super middleweight professional boxing match contested between WBA (Super), WBC, and The Ring champion, Canelo Álvarez, and WBO champion Billy Joe Saunders. The bout took place on May 8, 2021, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Álvarez defeated Saunders via eighth-round corner retirement.

Boxing in the 2020s is a list of notable fights and events in boxing during the decade from the year 2020 to 2029.

References

  1. 1 2 ESPN
  2. 1 2 Showtime Championship Boxing tale of the tape prior to the Jarrett Hurd fight.
  3. ↑ Keidel, Jason (July 11, 2014). "CBS Local Sports Q&A: Erislandy Lara 'Chopped' Alvarez's Pride To Get The Fight" Archived 2018-08-13 at the Wayback Machine . CBS Sports . CBS. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  4. ↑ "BoxRec: Ratings". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2022-05-29.
  5. ↑ Kelsey McCarson. "The Underappreciated Boxing Brilliance of Erislandy Lara". The Sweet Science. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2015-06-05.
  6. ↑ "Erislandy Lara". goldenboypromotions.com. Archived from the original on 2015-07-07.
  7. ↑ "Erislandy Lara, Carlos Molina Ends in a Majority Draw - Boxing News". Boxingscene.com. 2011-03-26. Retrieved 2014-05-08.
  8. ↑ "CompuBox Punch Stats: Molina Has The Edge Over Lara". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 2018-04-08.
  9. ↑ "Paul Williams looks to rebound from knockout in bout against Erislandy Lara - ESPN". Sports.espn.go.com. 2011-05-20. Retrieved 2014-05-08.
  10. ↑ "Paul Williams vs. Erislandy Lara - CompuBox Stats". Boxingscene.com. Retrieved 2016-06-21.
  11. ↑ "Paul Williams-Erislandy Lara judges suspended by New Jersey State Athletic Control Board". Espn.go.com. 2011-07-13. Retrieved 2016-06-21.
  12. ↑ "Williams-Lara Result Upsets HBO Broadcasters". SportsGrid. 2011-07-10. Archived from the original on 2014-05-08. Retrieved 2014-05-08.
  13. ↑ "Erislandy Lara-Ronald Hearns To Battle on February 11th?". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 2018-04-08.
  14. ↑ "Erislandy Lara Discusses The Bout With Ronald Hearns". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 2018-04-08.
  15. ↑ "Lara's Lightning KO Steals Taylor's Main Event Thunder". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 2018-04-08.
  16. ↑ "Vanes Signed Contract Three Weeks Ago, Waits on Lara". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 2018-04-08.
  17. ↑ "Schaefer: Lara Signs To Face Vanes on November 10th". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 2018-04-08.
  18. ↑ "CompuBox – CompuBox Stats: Martirosyan TD 8 Lara". Archived from the original on April 4, 2016. Retrieved March 25, 2016.
  19. ↑ "Martirosyan vs Lara results: Headbutt results in technical draw after nine rounds". Bad Left Hook. 10 November 2012. Retrieved 2016-06-21.
  20. ↑ "Ariza Puzzled With Judge Who Scored For Erislandy Lara". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 2018-04-08.
  21. ↑ "Angulo vs. Lara To Co-Headline Maidana-Lopez Card". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 2018-04-08.
  22. ↑ "Erislandy Lara vs Alfredo Angulo - Film Study". YouTube. 2014-05-10. Archived from the original on 2021-12-15. Retrieved 2016-06-21.
  23. ↑ "CompuBox – CompuBox Stats: Lara KO 10 Angulo". Archived from the original on March 9, 2016. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
  24. ↑ Scott Christ (9 June 2013). "Angulo vs Lara results: Erislandy Lara gets off canvas twice, stops Angulo in 10th round". Bad Left Hook.
  25. ↑ "Lara vs. Trout To Have "Regular" WBA Title at Stake". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 2018-04-08.
  26. ↑ ringtv (8 December 2013). "Erislandy Lara drops, dominates Austin Trout to unanimous decision". Ring TV. Archived from the original on 26 June 2015.
  27. ↑ "Canelo Affirms superstar status with split decision over Erislandy Lara - Bleacher Report". bleacherreport.com. 2014-07-13. Retrieved 2014-07-14.
  28. ↑ "Alvarez beats Lara but the debate on who 'really' won continues - Ring TV". Ringtv.craveonline.com. 2014-07-13. Retrieved 2016-06-21.
  29. ↑ Erislandy Lara vs Canelo - Lara Film Study. YouTube. 6 October 2014. Archived from the original on 2021-12-15.
  30. ↑ "Oscar De La Hoya Wont Explore Canelo Alvarez Rematch - Las Vegas Sun". lasvegassun.com. 2014-07-13. Retrieved 2014-07-14.
  31. ↑ "Lara-Smith in Play For December 12 in San Antonio". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 2018-04-08.
  32. ↑ ★ Erislandy Lara vs Ishe Smith - Film Study ★. YouTube. 6 February 2015. Archived from the original on 2021-12-15.
  33. ↑ Joseph Zucker. "Erislandy Lara vs. Ishe Smith: Winner, Scorecard and Analysis". Bleacher Report.
  34. ↑ "Erislandy Lara earns unanimous-decision win over Delvin Rodriguez to keep junior middleweight title". ESPN.com. 13 June 2015.
  35. ↑ "Erislandy Lara beats Jan Zaveck to defend junior middleweight title". Espn.go.com. 2015-11-26. Retrieved 2016-06-21.
  36. ↑ "PBC on ESPN results: Erislandy Lara dominates, stops Jan Zaveck in 3". Bad Left Hook. 25 November 2015. Retrieved 2016-06-21.
  37. ↑ "LARA VS. MARTIROSYAN" . Retrieved December 1, 2016.
  38. ↑ "Lara vs Martirosyan II results: Erislandy Lara wins decision to retain WBA title". Bad Left Hook. 2016-05-22. Retrieved 2016-06-21.
  39. ↑ "Lara-Martirosyan 2 averages 491K viewers on Showtime » Boxing News". Boxing News 24. 2016-05-25. Retrieved 2018-04-10.
  40. ↑ "ERISLANDY LARA AND YURI FOREMAN CLOSE TO DEAL FOR JAN. FIGHT". The Ring. November 30, 2016. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
  41. ↑ "Erislandy Lara to defend against Yuri Foreman". Ring News 24. 2016-12-14. Retrieved 2016-12-14.
  42. ↑ "Erislandy Lara stops Yuri Foreman in four rounds - The Ring". The Ring. 2017-01-14. Retrieved 2017-01-15.
  43. ↑ "WBA champ Lara targets GGG and Canelo • Boxing News". Boxing News. 2017-01-14. Archived from the original on 2017-01-16. Retrieved 2017-01-15.
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  45. ↑ "Jermell Charlo-Erickson Lubin tops 154-pound title tripleheader on Oct. 14 - The Ring". The Ring. 2017-08-24. Retrieved 2017-08-26.
  46. ↑ "Erislandy Lara Drops, Decisions Terrell Gausha in a Snoozer - Boxing News". www.boxingscene.com. 15 October 2017. Retrieved 2017-10-15.
  47. ↑ "Lara keeps belt in lackluster win over Gausha". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2017-10-15.
  48. ↑ "Showtime Viewership Went Down During Lara-Gausha Main Event - Boxing News". www.boxingscene.com. 17 October 2017. Retrieved 2017-10-18.
  49. ↑ "WBA promote Castano to Regular champion". ESPN.com. 2017-10-30. Retrieved 2017-10-30.
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  51. ↑ "Erislandy Lara vs. Jarrett Hurd Deal Getting Very Close For April". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 2018-01-25.
  52. ↑ RINGSIDE. "Spectacular! - Showtime / PBC unveil sensational six months featuring mass of world title fights". WBN - World Boxing News. Archived from the original on 2018-01-25. Retrieved 2018-01-25.
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Sporting positions
Regional boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Austin Trout 		WBA Fedelatin
light middleweight champion
November 27, 2010 – June 2011
Vacated		Vacant
Title next held by
Jonathan González
Minor world boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Zaurbek Baysangurov 		IBO light middleweight champion
June 12, 2015 – April 7, 2018		Succeeded by
Vacant
Title last held by
Jeison Rosario 		IBO light middleweight champion
August 29, 2020 – September 1, 2021
Vacated		Vacant
Title next held by
Sam Eggington
Major world boxing titles
Preceded by
Anthony Mundine
stripped
 WBA light middleweight champion
Interim title
June 8, 2013 – March 13, 2014
Promoted		Vacant
Title next held by
Jack Culcay
Vacant
Title last held by
Austin Trout 		WBA light middleweight champion
March 13, 2014 – June 8, 2016
Regular title until January 19, 2016
Promoted		Succeeded by
Jack Culcay
as Regular champion
Vacant
Title last held by
Floyd Mayweather Jr. 		WBA light middleweight champion
Super title
June 8, 2016 – April 7, 2018		Succeeded by
Jarrett Hurd
Vacant
Title last held by
Brian Castaño 		WBA light middleweight champion
Regular title
August 31, 2019 – August 31, 2021
Vacated		Vacant
Title next held by
Israil Madrimov
as Champion
Vacant
Title last held by
Ryōta Murata 		WBA middleweight champion
Regular title
May 1, 2021 – March 9, 2023
Promoted		Title discontinued
Vacant
Title last held by
Gennady Golovkin 		WBA middleweight champion
March 9, 2023 – present		Incumbent
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