World Champion Lara Talks Title Showdown, Sparring Top Prospects, 2018 Fight of the Year Against Jarrett Hurd & More Before Taking on WBA Super Welterweight Champion Brian Castaño Saturday, Machi 2 Kuishi juu ya Showtime®kutoka
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Bonyeza HERE for Photos from Hosanna Rull/Team Lara
HOUSTON (Februari 20, 2019) – Former super welterweight world champion Erislandy “Dream American” Lara will look to reclaim a piece of the 154-pound crown when he challenges WBA champion Brian Castaño Jumamosi, Machi 2 moja kwa moja kwenye Showtime kutoka Barclays Center, nyumba ya BROOKLYN BOXING™, na kuwasilishwa na Waziri Boxing Champions.
“Brian Castaño is coming into this fight with an undefeated record, lakini ni kitu Sijaona kabla,” Alisema Lara. “This will be my third fight in a row versus an undefeated fighter. Mimi kuchukua hii kwa umakini sana. Stylistically, I feel I’m the superior fighter, but he’s a very strong champion. I will be prepared to take back a title in this great division, then look to the biggest fights that are out there.”
One of the big fights that could be out there for Lara is a rematch with unified 154-pound champion Jarrett Hurd. Lara dropped a split-decision to Hurd in a unification showdown on SHOWTIME that was the consensus 2018 “Mapambano ya Mwaka”, having been recognized by the BWAA, ESPN and Sporting News, miongoni mwa mambo mengine.
“The fight against Hurd was a great fight for the fans, but I felt I won seven or eight rounds that night,” Alisema Lara. “To be on the wrong end of another close decision left a bad taste in my mouth. That fight being recognized as ‘Fight of the Year’ shows my versatility as a fighter. I was on the ballot before with Alfredo Angulo, so it was good to get recognized for being a warrior, not only a craftsman. I will always give the fans my all and come March 2, it will be no different.”
Lara is continuing to to work with longtime trainer Ronnie Shields in Houston, where Lara has prepared for his matchup with sparring that includes going up against top prospects in 18-year-old Joey Spencer and 24-year-old Eimantas Stanionis.
“Ronnie and I are working great together, and we have an excellent game plan in place.,” Alisema Lara. “This is one of the better camps I’ve had the last few years. Having young fighters like Spencer and Stanionis in camp with me is refreshing because I know they are hungry. Wakati sisi foromali, I feed off their energy, because I know they are trying to take take their game to the next level, which makes me better. This is a demanding sport and they are definitely pushing me.”
Machi 2 also gives Lara a chance to share the stage with another one of Cuba’s best fighters, as Luis Ortiz is set to take on Christian Hammer in the co-main event, making the night a celebration of Cuban boxing.
“Luis Ortiz and I go way back and I’m happy that my brother is fighting on the same card as me,” Alisema Lara. “We’ve gone through a lot since leaving Cuba to pursue our dreams of becoming world champions here in the U.S. Like myself, I know he’s going to be ready to entertain the fans on fight night and make this a memorable night for Cuban boxing!”
Tiketi kwa ajili ya tukio, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment, are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barlayscenter.com, au kwa kupiga 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group punguzo zinapatikana kwa kupiga 844-BKLYN-GP.
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