Erislandy Lara called the junior middleweight division home for much of his career, and he was the cornerstone of the division for over a decade.

However, in the twighlight of his ring years he decided to move up to middleweight in search of more glory, and has claimed the WBA title. He will put it on the line against former two-division titlist Danny Garcia in a catchweight contest on the undercard of Canelo-Edgar Berlanda at the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, on Saturday.

Lara, rated at No. 4 by The Ring at middleweight, welcomes the opportunity to lock horns with Garcia having circled each other for awhile now.

“I’m excited for this fight with Danny Garcia,” Lara (30-3-3, 18 knockouts) told The Ring. “He’s a big name in the sport, and our paths have finally crossed. This is a fight that the fans have been asking for, and I’m ready to put on a show. It’s going to be a battle.”

The 41-year-old Cuban is well aware of what Garcia brings to the fight.

“Danny Garcia is a former two-division world champion and he’s one of the best fighters of this era,” said Lara. “He’s proven himself at the highest levels, and I respect what he brings to the ring. He has power and good timing, but I believe my ring IQ, movement, and precision will be the difference in this fight.”

Interestingly, while the middleweight limit is 160-pounds, the fight will take place at a lower weight.

“The fight will take place at a catchweight of 157-pounds,” he explained. “I’m comfortable with that, and I’m sure it will benefit both of us. It’s a weight where I feel strong and ready to perform at my best.”

While Garcia will snap a 26-month hiatus, Lara will be returning just six months after demolishing Michael Zerafa (KO 2), which ended his own extended period from the ring.

Lara feels that his recent fight could play a part in this fight.

“Absolutely, I think being active and getting that fight in against Zerafa was important,” he pointed out. “I felt sharp and strong in that fight, and I’m coming into this one with momentum.

“Danny is a great fighter, but being inactive can affect you. I’m looking to take advantage of that.”

Although Lara is later stages of his career he still feels he has more to achieve.

“My goal at this stage is to continue building my legacy and take on the biggest fights available,” he said. “I still have a lot left to accomplish, and I want to prove that I’m still one of the best fighters in the world.

“I’m focused on winning this fight and then looking for more opportunities to add to my career achievements.”

His manager, Bob Santos, feels his client is well placed to add a good name to his already impressive ledger.

“It comes down to weight, which is 157 pounds,” said Santos. “Lara makes weight pretty comfortably. He’s going to beat Danny Garcia and in solid fashion.”

While this fight feels like it could have taken place several years ago, it will be interesting to see what both have left at this stage of their careers. I feel the activity and weight will better serve Lara and that he’ll win on the scorecards.

Garcia had major success at 140 pounds, where he annexed the Ring championship and WBC and WBA titles, and posted wins over Erik Morales (UD 12/ KO 4), Amir Khan (TKO 4), Zab Judah (UD 12) and Lucas Matthysse (UD 12).

The Philadelphia-born fighter then moved up to welterweight and claimed the vacant WBC title at the expense of Robert Guerrero (UD 12). However, he lost to Keith Thurman (SD 12) in a unification bid and was unable to regain the same title, dropping the close decision to Shawn Porter and also lost to then IBF/WBC beltholder Errol Spence (UD 12).

Canelo Alvarez-Edgar Berlanga, plus undercard bouts, will be broadcast on DAZN Pay-Per-View at 8:00 p.m. ET/ 5:00 p.m. PT.

Questions and/or comments can be sent to Anson at [email protected].

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