Cuban Erislandy Lara Retains the Superwelterweight Title of the World Boxing Association

August 30, 2020

Cuban boxer Erislandy Lara retained his super welterweight title from the World Boxing Association (WBA) this Saturday by defeating American Greg Vendetti at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles by unanimous decision in 12 rounds.

More experienced and more solid in defense, Lara, who defended his title for the first time after reclaiming it in 2019, fought on the counterattack and maintained distance to dominate a Vendetti who nonetheless showed a brave fight.

"Tonight, I dominated the fight," said Lara. "After this performance, I'm looking to step in the ring with any of the other champions. I definitely want the winner of Jermell Charlo and Jeison Rosario. If that fight can be made, I'll be ready."

Lara, who was also WBA champion from 2014 to 2018 and International Boxing Organization (IBO) champion from 2015 to 2018, earned his 27th career victory (including 15 by KO) following a unanimous decision from the judges with scores of 116-112, 117-111 and 117-111.

With this victory, the Guantanamo fighter improved his record to 27-3-3, with 15 knockouts, after more than a year of inactivity. In his last fight, Lara defeated Ramon Álvarez by KO in the second round, one of the brothers of fellow champion Canelo Alvarez.

When asked by Efe about his future, Lara ruled out retiring in the coming years due to his "perfect" physical condition, something he demonstrated against Vendetti, seven years younger than him. "As long as I don't see things getting complicated in the ring, I'll keep fighting. But I've been taking punches since I was 12 years old, and I can't be doing this my whole life," he said in an interview with Efe before Saturday's fight. In fact, the boxer assured he is feeling "much better" now than he was six years ago. "I'm doing great mentally, thank God, and with tremendous health," he stressed.