WBA super welterweight champion Erislandy Lara is the longest reigning champion at 154. The 34-year-old Cuban star has not lost a fight in almost four years.
On Saturday, Lara(25-2-2, 14 KOs) will have a huge challenge ahead of him as he challenges IBF super welterweight champion Jarrett Hurd(21-0, 15 KOs) in a unification fight from Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
Hurd is big, strong and has stopped his last seven opponents, but Lara is not concerned:
“Everyone knows I love to fight his style. I’ve fought better and taller fighters than him and you’ve seen me dominate them,” Lara said at the final press conference on Thursday. “It’s going to be nothing different on Saturday night.
“I want him to come forward. That’s what I’m prepared for. I’m going to give him a lesson on Saturday night.”
“I have to give Hurd credit for taking the fight. It’s been hard to get fighters in the ring with me. There’s no need to talk because on Saturday we will find out everything we need to know.
“Everyone here talking from Hurd’s team can’t get in the ring with him. It’s different once you’re in the ring with me. You’ve never been in a big fight. We’ll find out what you have Saturday night. Right now, you’re all talk.
“I’m absolutely ready for this fight. This is going to be a great battle for the fans on SHOWTIME. I’m excited to get in the ring and finally unify the decision. I’m preparing to make history.
“I haven’t watched much video on Hurd, but as we saw from the Trout fight, he’s very hittable. Come Saturday night, he better have worked on some defense or it won’t last very long.”
According to Lara, if he beats Hurd, he’s going after WBC super welterweight Jermell Charlo:
“I don’t want to hear anything about Jermell Charlo, because Jarrett Hurd is the one who stepped up. On Sunday, Charlo can sign the contract and we can get ready to rumble.”
Photo: Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME