Erislandy Lara (17-1-2, 11 KO) and Alfredo "Perro" Angulo (22-2, 18 KO) will battle on Saturday night in a bout between contending light middleweights.
The 154-pound division isn't the most glamorous division in boxing today. Aside from Canelo Alvarez, there aren't many major fighters in the division. Lara is one of the more underrated fighters in the world, but he doesn't have a magnetic personality or a huge following.
He will be tested by the rugged opponent who has been through a tough ordeal outside the ring. The fight takes place on the undercard of the Josesito Lopez vs. Marcos Rene Maidana welterweight clash.
It should be an interesting battle of contrasting styles. Here's how you can watch and some analysis about the matchup.
When: Saturday, June 8 at 10 p.m. ET
Where: Carson City, Calif.
TV: Showtime
Live Stream Replay: Showtime Anytime the following day (pay service)
The Book on Lara
Under the Radar
Lara has only one loss on his record—if you want to call it that. Anyone that saw Lara lose to Paul Williams knows Lara didn't deserve the loss. Nonetheless, Williams was awarded the majority decision when they met in July 2009.
That fight was the key for Lara to move to the next level in his career, but instead he had to regroup. He had won two fights in a row before settling for a technical draw in his last fight with Vanes Martirosyan.
The fact that Lara doesn't speak English and fights a style that is more technical than brawling hurts his popularity. Though he's 30 years old, he has only 18 professional fights. Like many Cuban fighters, he has had an extensive amateur career before turning professional.
Lara is the type of fighter champions will avoid because he's a tough matchup and not a household name.
In the Ring
Lara has received the label of a dirty fighter. His head has come into play on a few occasions, most recently in his last fight against Martirosyan.
Beyond the questionable weapon in close quarters, Lara is a slick, defensive southpaw with very good hand speed. Though he isn't a punishing puncher, he does have solid power. Take a look at this devastating KO win over Ronald Hearns.
He takes calculated risk and looks to dismantle his opponents after feeling them out in the early rounds. Against Angulo, he will be using his counter-punching ability primarily. It is a role he's comfortable with and usually finds success.
The Book on Angulo
Back From a Dark Place
Angulo spent seven months at the Immigration Detention Justice Center despite never being charged with a crime, per Kevin Iole of Yahoo! Sports. He had a history with the Immigration Department, but there are accusations that Angulo was treated on a personal level, per Angulo's attorney Kelly O'Reilly.
Ultimately, he was released, but the imprint made on Angulo's life is hard to gauge or imagine. Boxing fans didn't forget how exciting of a fighter Angulo was before he was detained.
The image above which is done by amazing boxing artist Amanda Kelly is proof. In her tweet, she says she did the amazing piece and sent it to Angulo to let him know he wasn't forgotten.
Since his release he has won his last two fights. He's taking on a very tough fighter in Lara, but he will undoubtedly have the crowd behind him on Saturday.
He lives in Coachella, Calif. and many will be rooting for him to take a step towards a title shot at 154 pounds.
In the Ring
Angulo wants to brawl. He doesn't have great hand or foot speed, but he has a great chin and incredible resolve. He'll have to rough Lara up to try to control the tempo of the fight.
He has no chance to match Lara's speed, but if he can make this an ugly fight, he has a chance to have his moments.
Because of his bone-crushing power, all he really needs is a moment to change the night. The fighter that can force his style will have the edge.
Prediction
This is going to be a boring fight for some, but I'll enjoy seeing Lara's underrated skill at work. He will likely box circles around Angulo and frustrate him with his hand speed.
It will be an easy unanimous decision for Lara.
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