WBA middleweight champion Erislandy Lara gave Danny Garcia his props ahead of their clash on the Canelo undercard in Las Vegas next month.
‘The American Dream’ is on a hot streak, having enjoyed a run of stoppages late in his career. Garcia is tipped to be another after moving up two weight divisions without acclimatizing to 154 or 160.
However, Lara still sees Garcia as a threat after being impressed by the Philadelphia native’s run.
“Danny Garcia is a great fighter, a multiple-division world champion, and like me, he’s one of the best fighters of this generation,” said Lara. “This is going to be the fight of the night. I knocked out my last three opponents, and I’m training to make it four.
“This is going to be a tough fight, I know that. But every fight at the championship level is tough and has its challenges. I’m preparing hard for Danny and believe my experience fighting at this weight will be an advantage.”
Despite being weary of Garcia, Lara believes his work in the gym will be enough to ensure the title remains in his possession.
“I’m very happy with the work I’ve been putting in during this training camp. We’ve had a lot of time to work on fighting Danny Garcia, so we’re prepared for what he brings,” insisted Lara. “He’s a very powerful puncher with both hands, so I’ve had to tighten up and make a few adjustments on my defense.
“My focus is on how I can keep performing at this level repeatedly. I’m going to be in tremendous shape like I always am. I’ll be ready for anything he does in the ring.”
At 41, Lara goes way back. His last outing on Mexican Independence Day weekend came when Floyd Mayweather held that spot. He passed it on to Canelo, and now Lara appears on the same weekend, 21 years after featuring on the Mayweather vs. Juan Manuel Marquez bill.
“It’s a great honor to be fighting on Mexican Independence Day weekend, especially against a great Puerto Rican champion in Danny Garcia,” pointed out Lara.
“I’ll be fighting not only for my Cuban fans but also for the Mexican fans that will be tuning in. No matter where you’re from, it will be a great fight for everyone watching.”
He concluded, “I feel I’ve done a lot in this sport, and a win versus Danny Garcia will add another big triumph against a former world champion.
“I’ve fought the best and have never turned down an opportunity to fight anyone. My goal is to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame one day, and I will keep working to achieve it.”
Lara defends his title against former welterweight ruler Garcia in the Premier Boxing Champions Pay-Per-View co-main event, which is available on Prime Video, DAZN, and PPV.com. The event occurs on Saturday, September 14, from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
