Preview: Erislandy “American Dream” Lara vs Ramon Alvarez
Long live the American Dream! Erislandy “American Dream” Lara returns to the squared circle this Saturday as the main event of FOX PBC Fight Night. He’ll take on Ramon “Inocente” Alvarez (28-7-3), older brother of Saul Canelo Alvarez, for the WBA Super Welterweight title. Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET live from The Armory in Minneapolis.
Erislandy Lara (25-3-3), former unified world champion, continues his quest to reclaim the mountain top in the 154lb division. During the process he’s made a change in corner men. Trained by Ronnie Shields the last few fights, Lara decided it was best to be guided once more by world class trainer Ismael Salas. With whom he remains undefeated in 10 professional bouts. At 36 years old, Lara can ill afford to take any opponent lightly.
“He (Ramon) is a fighter that is hungry to win a world title.” Lara told Ryan Burton. “He is coming to win, and I have to be focused to get the victory. I won’t underestimate him and that is why I am preparing well and training hard to make sure I get the victory.”
Ramon Alvarez has made it very clear that he is not his brother. Both in the ring and out of it. “I will work to make things very clear to Lara that I am not my brother,” Alvarez said on PBC Face to Face. “, this fight will not be the same (as with Canelo). This fight has nothing to do with controversies. I think I have a very different style to show and I’m going to show it this night.”
Both fighters are ready. The only thing missing is a complete comprehensive breakdown of each fighter! As fate would have it, you’re reading one.
Erislandy “American Dream” Lara
From: Guantanamo, Cuba Age: 36
Record: 25-3-3 14 KO’s Height: 5’9’’
Reach: 75” Stance: Southpaw
STRENGTHS
Cuban Style of Fighting: Erislandy Lara embodies the Cuban style of to a T! Very slick, stick and move. One punch at a time. Very good defensively with excellent fundamentals.
Experience: Lara was dominant in the 154lb division! Defended the WBA belt 6 times & IBO 5 before losing a split decision to Jarret Hurd. For a stretch of about five years, Lara defeated a prime Alfredo Angulo, Austin Trout, Ish Smith, Vanes Martirosyan, took a very controversial loss to Canelo and was clearly robbed for Paul Williams. Lara had a stellar reign as champ!
Jaw: Lara can take a punch! To go through that murderers’ row of opponents and not be stopped is an accomplishment of itself. Alfredo Angulo dropped him in their fight, and it took powerful puncher Jarret Hurd 12 rounds to score a knockdown. Neither fighter could finish Lara! He went on to stop Angulo and lost a close split decision to Hurd. Ending his 154 Champion era.
WEAKNESSES
36 years old?: I’m wondering that myself. His documentation shows 36 years old but as is the case with countrymen Luis Ortiz and Guillermo Rogondeaux,y you simply don’t know for sure. Boxing is young man’s game and whispers of age manipulation on paperwork always shadows Cuban pros. Either way Lara has clearly lost a step. Evidenced by his last fight, a twelve round split decision draw to Brian Casteno. Father time is creeping!
Boring Style: Not really an in the ring attribute but this is the entertainment business. The knock-on Lara has always been a mundane fighting style. Fans felt the titles were being held hostage and were relieved he lost. Boo Birds were consistently present in his fights and he’s amassed an anemic fan base.
Ramon “Inocente” Alvarez
From: Guadalajara, Mexico Age: 33
Record: 28-7-3 16KO’s Height: 5’8’’
Reach: 68” Stance: Orthodox
STRENGTHS
Head Movement: Ramon has very solid head movement. Keeps it on a swivel. Probably his best attribute.
Brawler: Ramon loves to brawl! He’s not a technical boxer. At all. He realizes his strength and always looks to mix it up.
Canelos Bro: It’s worth mentioning his famous younger sibling for the simple fact that Ramon has no business fighting for a world title. Loser of 3 out of his last 8. Two fights removed from being stopped. Boxing is a funny business where who you know matters.
WEAKNESSES
Nonathletic: Ramon is extremely nonathletic. Tree trunks for legs. Plods around one step at a time and remains stationary for long stretches.
Slow: Lara will have the clear advantage in the speed department. Ramon has zero zip on his punches. The reverse flash.
Stopped by Lesser Fighters: As I touched earlier, Ramon was stopped by a career welterweight two fights ago. To make matters worse, Brandon Rios was already badly faded and had semiretired to still claim a victory over Ramon. In his rematch with Omar Chavez, Ramon was stopped in two. Both of those fighters are nowhere near the boxing galaxy Lara resides in.
THE PICK!
I’ll go ahead and say it. Ramon Alvarez has zero business being in a title fight. He didn’t fight any of the top 154 lbers or faced eliminators to achieve it. He’s too slow for Lara and his love for brawling plays right into Lara’s hands. If Ramon survives past 6, I’ll be very surprised. Lara by KO!
· Article Written By:
· Manuel “Hopper” Dominguez
· @ManuelDStayTru