Erislandy Lara defends his WBA middleweight title against Danny Garcia on September 14

ERISLANDY Lara will defend his WBA middleweight title against Danny Garcia on the undercard of Canelo vs. Berlanga on September 14. These pair were pitched together almost a year ago, with the bout expected to headline on Showtime in August 2023, but it mysteriously dissolved from the schedule.

Now, by popular demand, 41-year-old Lara, and Garcia, who has never fought at 160 before, have been pushed back together. Lara once fought main eventer Canelo in 2014 and gave him what was perceived in some quarters as one of Canelo’s toughest outings. Indeed, one judge scored it to Lara.

‘The American Dream’ has been on a strange run since knocking out Thomas LaManna for this vacant crown in 2021. A 2022 shellacking of grizzled Irishman Gary’ O’Sullivan was followed by almost two years of inactivity. Lara returned to the ring in March, knocking out Michael Zerafa in round two.

Garcia last fought in July 2022 and will be two years inactive by the time this bout comes around. Danny’s best days were at super-lightweight, where he defeated the likes of Amir Khan (see above) and Lucas Matthysse. He has not fared as well since navigating up to welterweight and beyond. It remains to be seen how much the new weight class suits ‘Swift’.