Erislandy Lara and Jarrett Hurd Face Off on Saturday night (Photo: Stephanie Trapp – SHOWTIME)
By Chris Robinson
On Saturday night, April 7, IBF junior middleweight champion Jarrett Hurd will face off with WBA junior middleweight champion Erislandy Lara in a classic unification match to be aired on SHOWTIME from the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. It’s a match showcasing the power and aggression of Hurd (21-0, 15 KO’s) vs. the finesse, experience, and sharp-shooting of Lara (25-2-2, 14 KO’s).
“They are over here saying I’m not ready,” Hurd stated at the weigh-in. ” I’m more than ready. This is my time right now. I’m ready to get on that stage and show the world why I’ve been asking for this fight. We know he’s going to use the entire ring, but you can’t run from ‘Swift’ Jarrett Hurd for 12 rounds. We know we are going to be in his face and know he’ll have to engage at some point.”
Lara, who is the veteran at 34 years old compared to Hurd, 27, seems to almost be dismissing his foe.
“He’s not in the top 10 fighters I’ve fought,” said Lara. “I fight for my family and for my kids. And that belt is coming home with my kids.”
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Chris Robinson can be reached at CRobinson@hustleboss.com