Anastassia Barbieri

Written by Anastassia Barbieri

Published: 25 Dec 2025

25-facts-about-erislandy-lara
Source: Fansided.com

Who is Erislandy Lara? Erislandy Lara is a Cuban professional boxer known for his exceptional skills and tactical prowess in the ring. Born on April 11, 1983, in Guantanamo, Cuba, Lara has made a significant mark in the world of boxing. He is a former WBA light middleweight champion and has faced some of the toughest opponents in his weight class. Lara's journey from Cuba to the United States is a story of determination and resilience. His fighting style is often described as slick and elusive, making him a challenging opponent for anyone. With numerous titles and accolades under his belt, Lara continues to be a prominent figure in boxing. Want to know more about this boxing legend? Here are 25 facts about Erislandy Lara that will give you a deeper insight into his life and career.

Table of Contents

Who is Erislandy Lara?

Erislandy Lara is a Cuban professional boxer known for his technical skills and impressive career. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this talented athlete.

  1. Cuban Roots
    Born on April 11, 1983, in Guantánamo, Cuba, Lara's journey to boxing stardom began in his homeland.

  2. Amateur Success
    Lara had a stellar amateur career, winning multiple national championships in Cuba.

  3. World Champion
    He won the AIBA World Boxing Championships in 2005, showcasing his talent on the global stage.

  4. Defection from Cuba
    In 2007, Lara defected from Cuba to pursue a professional boxing career, a risky move that paid off.

Professional Career Highlights

Lara's professional career is filled with notable achievements and memorable fights. Here are some key moments.

  1. Pro Debut
    Lara made his professional debut on July 4, 2008, in Turkey, winning by knockout.

  2. First Title
    He won his first professional title, the WBA interim super welterweight title, in 2012.

  3. Unified Champion
    Lara became the WBA (Regular) and IBO super welterweight champion in 2014.

  4. Fight with Canelo Alvarez
    In 2014, Lara fought Canelo Alvarez in a highly anticipated bout, which ended in a controversial split decision loss.

Style and Skills

Lara is known for his unique fighting style and technical prowess. Let's explore what makes him stand out.

  1. Southpaw Stance
    Lara fights in a southpaw stance, giving him an advantage against orthodox fighters.

  2. Defensive Mastery
    His defensive skills are top-notch, making him a difficult opponent to hit cleanly.

  3. Counterpunching Ability
    Lara excels at counterpunching, often catching opponents off guard.

  4. Ring IQ
    His high ring IQ allows him to outthink and outmaneuver his opponents.

Personal Life

Beyond the ring, Lara's personal life is equally interesting. Here are some insights into his life outside boxing.

  1. Family Man
    Lara is married and has children, balancing his family life with his boxing career.

  2. Miami Resident
    He currently resides in Miami, Florida, a city with a large Cuban community.

  3. Philanthropy
    Lara is involved in charitable activities, giving back to his community.

Memorable Fights

Lara has been part of several memorable fights that have defined his career. Let's look at some of these bouts.

  1. Vs. Alfredo Angulo
    In 2013, Lara fought Alfredo Angulo in a thrilling match, winning by TKO in the 10th round.

  2. Vs. Austin Trout
    Lara defeated Austin Trout in 2013, solidifying his status as a top contender.

  3. Vs. Jarrett Hurd
    In 2018, Lara faced Jarrett Hurd in a unification bout, losing a close split decision.

Awards and Recognition

Lara's achievements have earned him numerous awards and recognition in the boxing world.

  1. Ring Magazine Rankings
    He has consistently been ranked among the top super welterweights by Ring Magazine.

  2. Boxing Writers Association of America
    Lara has received accolades from the Boxing Writers Association of America for his performances.

  3. Cuban Sports Hall of Fame
    He was inducted into the Cuban Sports Hall of Fame, honoring his contributions to the sport.

Training and Discipline

Lara's success is a result of his rigorous training and discipline. Here are some aspects of his training regimen.

  1. Strict Diet
    He follows a strict diet to maintain his weight and physical condition.

  2. Intense Workouts
    Lara's training includes intense workouts, focusing on strength, speed, and endurance.

  3. Mental Preparation
    Mental preparation is a key part of his training, helping him stay focused and composed in the ring.

Future Prospects

Lara continues to be a formidable force in boxing, with exciting prospects ahead.

  1. Title Defenses
    He aims to defend his titles and add more championships to his impressive resume.

Erislandy Lara: A True Boxing Legend

Erislandy Lara's journey from Cuba to becoming a world-renowned boxer is nothing short of inspiring. His dedication, skill, and resilience have earned him numerous titles and a place among boxing's elite. Lara's story isn't just about his victories in the ring; it's about overcoming obstacles and never giving up on dreams.

From his early days in Guantanamo to his current status as a boxing champion, Lara's career is a testament to hard work and perseverance. His impressive record, technical prowess, and strategic mind make him a standout figure in the sport.

Whether you're a boxing enthusiast or just love a good underdog story, Lara's life offers valuable lessons in determination and grit. Keep an eye on this remarkable athlete as he continues to make history in the boxing world.

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