The two best junior middleweights in the world not named Floyd Mayweather will meet on Saturday, July 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez will square off against Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara in a 12-round bout, headlining a SHOWTIME pay-per-view broadcast.
Lara was originally scheduled to defend his WBA title against Ishe Smith on Friday, May 2 in Las Vegas to kickoff Cinco de Mayo Weekend withdrew from the fight to face Canelo.
Canelo Alvarez Quotes
“This fight against Erislandy Lara is very important for my career because it is an opponent with vast experience in both the amateur and professional field, and I am sure our fighting styles will provide an explosive battle and great atmosphere that night.
“Lara, the media and the fans around the world wanted this match to take place, and here I am fulfilling their request since I have no doubt that everyone will be completely satisfied.”
“I want to thank the fans for all of their support. They are the best for me. All of the media, thank you. All the support is what makes this possible.
“I wanted to give the fans this fight, because this is what they asked for. I was offended on Twitter and social media because people said a lot of things about me. But that doesn’t matter. I’m here to prove who I am, and I’m going to win July 12.
“This fight is only for my honor and glory to bring to the Mexican people.”
Erislandy Lara Quotes
“I give Canelo respect for accepting this fight, and even though it took him a while to step up, we’re going to give the fans a great performance on July 12.
“I’m coming to show the world I’m the best fighter at 154 pounds. This is the biggest fight of my career, and beating Canelo will get me closer to my ultimate goal, a showdown with Floyd Mayweather.”
“I don’t really have much to say; everything is done. On July 12,we are going to let our fists do the talking. There’s nothing more to say. We will see you there July 12.”
More Quotes & Details
JOSE “CHEPO” REYNOSO, Canelo’s Trainer
“On behalf of team Canelo, thank you all for being here. This is a fight that the fans wanted and we wanted to give it to them. On July 12, you will see what Canelo is made of.”
EDDY REYNOSO, Canelo’s Manager
“On July 12, it’s going to be a great battle. Lara is a great fighter, one of the best. But on July 12, we’ll see who is going to take who to school and where the real fighters come from.”
RONNIE SHIELDS, Lara’s Trainer
“Both of these fighters deserve to be on this stage. It’s going to be a great fight. This is why all the fans come out. They come out to see great fights.
“Both of these guys are two of the best at 154 pounds in the world. There can only be one winner and that’s going to be Lara. The reason is because he’s the best fighter, simple as that. He has been avoided by every top fighter in the world, including Floyd Mayweather. Canelo is a very good fighter. We can’t take anything away from him. But Lara is one step ahead and we are going to prove that on July 12.
“The fans should come out. Get your tickets. Get your pay-per-view. It’s going to be a great, great night. We are sure the undercard will be great as always, Golden Boy puts on the best shows – simple as that.
“People are going to be talking about this fight for a long time. Both of these guys have two common opponents – Austin Trout and Angulo. Canelo slipped by Trout, and Lara destroyed him. They both have stopped Angulo. Both guys can punch, both buys work really hard.
“Get your popcorn. It’s going to be a great night. On July 12, Erislandy Lara will walk out as the victor.”
OSCAR DE LA HOYA, President of Golden Boy Promotions
“Team Lara is an excellent team. A professional team with a great trainer, a great manager. He has good people around him. All Lara has to do is focus and train for this fight. That’s what a champion should do and that’s exactly what he does.
“Lara had a controversial loss against the great Paul Williams. He is the WBA Champion after defeating Angulo in 11 rounds. He has the pedigree; as an amateur in Cuba he had more than 250 amateur fights. He’s one of the best fighters to ever come out of Cuba.
“Canelo is one of the most compelling fighters today. At only 23-years-old he has had a professional career since 2005. He has won the WBC Junior Middleweight title in 2011 and defended it 11 times. He has victories over Austin Trout. He beat Angulo and he was in the mega-event last Sept. 13 against Floyd Mayweather.. Now, he is back, giving the fans what they want. This is most difficult challenge at 154 pounds for Canelo. To please his fans, he is facing the toughest guy in the division, Lara.”
“Canelo has always been a true warrior who insists on fighting the best, and this is just another example.
“Beating Erislandy Lara is a huge challenge for any fighter, but if anyone is up to the task, it’s Canelo.”
“Canelo vs. Erislandy Lara, a fight between the two best junior middleweights in the world, is yet another great example of the competitive, highly compelling and star-studded marquee matchups that SHOWTIME has become known for,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports.
“We are proud to see Canelo Alvarez continue his quest to take on the best boxers in the sport today. Lara, one of most skilled boxers in any division, is highly motivated by his own quest for a career-defining victory. I commend both Canelo and Erislandy for stepping up to the challenge and delivering the fight that boxing fans want.”
“We have already had the opportunity to host a number of sensational fights in 2014,” said Richard Sturm, president of Entertainment & Sports for MGM Resorts International.
“The summer heats up with another great event as we welcome the return of Canelo Alvarez to MGM Grand following his dominating performance in March.”
On a collision course for years, the highly anticipated matchup between Lara and Canelo will finally come to fruition following big wins over Austin “No Doubt” Trout and Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo, respectively.
“Canelo vs. Lara,” a 12-round junior middleweight fight taking place Saturday, July 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions.
