Alfredo Angulo Vs Erislandy Lara - Fight Preview

By Dave Lockey @boxingviper

This Saturday – 8^th June, the Home Depot Center, Carson, California hosts the highly anticipated clash between Alfredo “Perro” Angulo and Erislandy Lara. This fight will be for the Interim WBA World Light Middleweight Title on the undercard of Marcos Maidana vs Josesito Lopez.

Both fighters boast impressive records;

Angulo made his ring debut in 2005 and has had 24 professional contests. Of those 24 fights he has won 22 – 18 by way of knockout, lost 2 and suffered one KO himself. The 2 defeats came at the hands of the experienced Kermit Cintron – via UD and the power punching James Kirkland – TKO round 6.

Lara started his pro career in 2008. He has had 20 bouts, winning 17 – 11 by knockout, lost 1 and drawn 2. His only defeat came in a majority decision fight with one of the, in my opinion, former greats Paul Williams in 2011. This was a decision that raised a few eyebrows in Atlantic City that night however as most people believe Lara was robbed.

Angulo on paper clearly has the power advantage over Lara. His KO ratio and style in general may suggest to some that he will blast through Lara and use his aggression to assert his dominance from the first bell.

But Lara is not coming into this fight to make up numbers. He is a tricky, slick southpaw with that typically dogged Cuban attitude. Added to this, Angulo seemed to struggle with his last southpaw opponent, the aforementioned James Kirkland.

As with all Mexican fighters, Angulo has a “never say die” attitude, if he is switched on! And that is a big IF. To me, he still has that extra gear to get into and given his impressive power – he clearly is capable of special things. I just want to see the intensity that he brings to press conferences and interviews, carry with him into the ring on a consistent basis.

Lara is a more approachable looking figure when it comes to being in the spotlight but make no mistake – he knows what he wants and he won’t stop until he gets it. Any man who is willing to flee his own country in search of his dreams inside the squared circle is a man to respect and also a man to be wary of.

It promises to be an interesting clash in which either man can win on the night. Angulo will want to stand and trade and I don’t think that will phase Lara one bit.

 Lara however, being a southpaw, will always have Angulo thinking on his toes and he will look to counter any attack.

The key for Angulo is to pre-empt these counters and swarm Lara immediately afterwards. But he must do this in a controlled manner or risk the inevitable – being picked off time and time again.

That said, Angulo will know if he connects with any big shot – or an accumulation of big shots – he can have an early night.

It’s typically the “styles make fights” kind of match up but with added spice. A power punching aggressive Mexican fighter up against a dogged, slick Cuban boxer.

If I’ve got to put my neck on the line I’d have to say there could be 2 outcomes; if it goes the distance, Lara on points. Alternatively Angulo by KO inside 7.

This fight is worthy of headlining a bill on its own merit which is testament to how big in stature the Maidana vs Lopez clash is. Either way, a brilliant event to be at and definitely one to set your alarms for!