Set and Ready to Go: "Canelo" Alvarez to Face Erislandy Lara July 12

Photo by: ArizonaLatinos.com

By Francisco Romero

Saul “El Canelo” Alvarez used social media (@CaneloOficial) to announce his upcoming fight and was also confirmed through social media by his adversary Erislandy Lara (@LaraBoxing).

The fight between the Mexican star and the former Cuban Olympian is set to take place July 12 at the MGM in La Vegas, Nevada. In play will be the middleweight World Boxing Association title.

Canelo is looking for a world title ever since Floyd Mayweather Jr. took his World Boxing Council title away last year. Alvarez will step into the ring with a record of 43-1-1 while Lara’s record stands at 19-1-2.

For Lara, the opportunity to fight Canelo is a huge one. First of all he will have a chance to retain his title by beating a boxer who is in his prime not only inside the ring but marketing-wise. On the other hand, Alvarez needs to prove that he belongs on top of the boxing world by obtaining another world title.

Both fighters have fought Austin Trout. Canelo’s victory over Trout was criticized, as most experts would have scored the bout a draw. Lara dominated Trout in December of 2013 winning by unanimous decision in a 12 round fight.

This will be Canelo’s second of three fights he has planned for this year.

The fight will be at 154 lbs.

Lara’s camp mentioned that they are satisfied with the upcoming fight against Canelo Alvarez, as it is one that they had been pushing for a while. Lara now has to cancel the bout with Ishe Smith. They were scheduled to fight May 2nd in Las Vegas.

Canelo’s camp said Canelo himself handpicked Lara. They mentioned that one of Canelo Alvarez’s goals is to quiet critics about his ability to fight and beat top opponents.