Canelo Alvarez is looking to bolster his already significant star power with a dominant win over a well-respected opponent in Erislandy Lara on July 12. The best way to do that would be via knockout, which his trainer Chepo Reynoso says is exactly what they are shooting for.
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"We're not just going to go in looking for the knockout. We're working on all sorts of different situations but if the knockout comes, that's perfect," Reynoso said.
"But we're working so hard so that we can punish Erislandy Lara. We're working on trying to punish Lara. We want to really punish Erislandy Lara. He was talking too much and those comments were not welcome. It was blah, blah, blah and 'Canelo' took it very personal."
While Canelo destroyed a bigger name in Alfredo Angulo in his last bout, Lara is considered the superior fighter and tougher matchup; he also defeated Angulo before Canelo did. Lara's style is expected to pose greater problems for Alvarez, who has struggled mightily in the past against slick boxers like Floyd Mayweather and Austin Trout.
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As slick as Lara is, he's not immune to getting hit. Angulo sent him to the canvas twice when they met, only to be badly outboxed whenever his power shots weren't connecting. The Cuban is confident in his ability to take on Alvarez, boasting of the myriad ways he can defeat the favorite.
When asked if he needs to keep the fight in the middle of the ring to utilize his shiftiness, Lara said, "It all depends on the situation. "I'll box or I'll brawl. I showed I can do that in other fights and it all depends on what situation presents itself."
This opportunity is a career-defining one for Lara, who promised to be in tip-top shape. "We're going to do all we can do get ready and we're going to take him to school."
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