"I'll Be Full Steam Ahead." Lara on Fight Against Zerafa

40-year-old Cuban WBA middleweight champion (up to 72,6 kg) Erislandy Lara (29-3-3, 17 KOs), speaking about his upcoming title defense, promises to try and secure an early victory against 31-year-old Australian Michael Zerafa (31-4, 19 KOs).

"I promise I'll be ready for Zerafa. Everyone will see a wonderful fight. I'm going to press him. I'm going full steam ahead. Fans can expect that I'll make this night very tough for Zerafa. I'll try to knock him out.

I feel good, I feel strong. I don't think I need to prove anything. I just have to show who I am. I don't think I'll have any special problems showing that," Lara said.

Lara became a champion in 2019 by defeating Ramon Alvarez with a knockout in the second round. Since then, Erislandy has fought three more times – twice winning by knockout and once by a decision. The Cuban last boxed in the spring of 2022.

Zerafa also hasn't boxed since 2022. Then, he won by a decision against Danilo Creati.