Erislandy Lara vs. Vanes Martirosyan: Fight Time, Date, Live Stream, TV Info
On Saturday at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, WBA and IBO super welterweight champion Erislandy Lara (22-2-2, 13 KO) will defend his title against Vanes Martirosyan (36-2-1, 21 KO) in a rematch of a hotly contested 2012 bout.
Lara and Martirosyan's first fight ended in a technical draw. Martirosyan suffered a cut over his left eye from an accidental headbutt. Per BoxRec, Lara landed more punches in every round. Still, one of the judges had Martirosyan up on the cards and one other had the bout even.
What will happen in the rematch? Here's how you can watch:
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When: Saturday, May 21 at 9 p.m. ET
Where: The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
TV: Showtime
Live Stream: Showtime Anytime
Last Time Out
The Destruction of Zaveck
In November 2015, Lara gave Jan Zaveck as sound a beating as you'll see in a championship fight for two-plus rounds. The then-32-year-old Cuban bested the then-39-year-old Slovenian in every facet before the fight was stopped in the third round.
It was a terrible bout to have as a main event, but that's exactly what it was for the Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN card.
Martirosyan isn't much more well known than Zaveck, but he is just 30 years old. The fact that the previous bout with Lara was at least competitive makes this fight a much better one than the farce against Zaveck.
Lara is known as one of the sport's best—if you ask those who really know the sport—and he really should be in the ring with a bigger name. Still, he's finding a way to be motivated for the rematch with Martirosyan.
Per Lyle Fitzsimmons of CBSSports.com, Lara said:
"I was winning the fight easily. I was outboxing him. I was winning the last few rounds before the cut and I was on my way to stop it and then before, you know, he decided not to fight. So I'm looking forward to this fight. I'm very excited to fight and it's time to put a period on the fight and end it. And show everybody why I'm the best 154-pounder in the world.
"
Beating Martirosyan won't convince people he's the best 154-pounder, but it'll add another victory to his impressive record.
Outboxing Ishe
Martirosyan took a majority decision over Ishe Smith in September 2015. Smith was dropped twice in the fight, but one judge still saw fit to score the fight even.
Smith is a very difficult fighter for an opponent to look good against. He's a veteran with a bit of an awkward style, but Martirosyan showed good power throughout and he deserved to win the fight.
The win was a bounce-back victory for Martirosyan after he dropped a unanimous decision to Jermell Charlo—who will also be competing on Saturday's card against John Jackson.
Martirosyan has built an excellent resume. His only other loss came at the hands of the undefeated Demetrius Andrade. Earning a win over Lara would give him his first world title and change his career.
Prediction
Lara is on a mission to make a statement in every fight. Martirosyan is a good puncher, but when it comes to speed and overall boxing acumen, he can't compare to Lara.
The Cuban proved himself to be the better fighter in the initial meeting—despite not getting the decision. Martirosyan is tough, so Lara won't get the stoppage, but he will win a clear-cut unanimous decision.
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