Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (25-2-2, 14KO’s) is set to defend his World Boxing Association (WBA) Super World Super Welterweight Title Saturday, April 7th, against Jarrett Hurd (21-0, 15KO’s). The fight will take place at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, and will be aired live on Showtime premium cable network.
Today an open workout was held for the media at the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas. The champion, Erislandy Lara, looked very sharp and ready for the challenge ahead of defending his WBA super world title.
“Everything in training went how it was supposed to. We did our job and now it’s time to fight. I did everything in the gym that I needed to prepare for anything that Hurd can bring.”
When asked about the size of the challenger Lara was not phased at all, saying “All of my opponents are taller than me. His size means nothing to me. I have the experience and I’m the best boxer in the division. He’s never seen anything like me.”
Lara is no stranger to facing adversity; such as a very large, undefeated, hungry challenger. “The American Dream” reminded the media on hand, “I’ve earned everything in this sport the hard way. I’ve fought the tough fights for no money. I think everyone knows how talented I am and that I belong up there with the best in the sport.”
Jarrett Hurd, on the other hand, has been stating his case in the lead-up that this is the fight he has wanted for some time due to wanting to face the super world champion that many other fighters seem to go out of their way to avoid.
“There was something in me that always wanted this fight. Once I defended my title against Austin Trout, I was quick to get on top of this opportunity.”
Hurd went further, however, acknowledging that it is not going to be a walk in the park, “This is going to be a difficult fight. Lara is the type of fighter who has a lot of experience. It won’t be easy so I have to be well prepared and on top of my game come Saturday night.”
Hurd is promising an exciting fight seeing as how he wants to keep his undefeated record intact, claiming that he will “Bring it to Lara all night long” and that it doesn’t matter if Lara chooses to fight a defensive fight because he will “be in his face for all twelve rounds.”
Hurd admits that he took too many punches in his last fight against Austin Trout and claims that he has worked on his hand positioning and footwork to eliminate those defensive flaws.
The venue is a particularly memorable one for Hurd, with the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas being the spot where he burst onto the scene with a sixth round stoppage victory over Frank Galarza on ShoBox in November of 2015.
The stage is set for a fight that all the fans are buzzing about and many are seeing as a pick ‘em fight between the slick boxing super world champion Erislandy Lara and the young hungry puncher Jarrett Hurd.
