Erislandy Lara on "FNF" March 25

[CubanGuyNYC]

here's a dude canelo does NOT want to see in the ring anytime soon

Lara's a quality fighter. He's no walk in the park for anyone in the division. But he's still coming up himself. The tricky thing with these Cuban defectors is that they're not exactly green, but they have limited pro experience. It's a combination not often seen before. It might take some time before their handlers figure out the right approach.

[ИATAS]

I just re-read the article previously posted on Boxingscene. The date isn't set for the Alexander-Matthysse, Bundrage-Lara bouts. In fact, the fights aren't even set in stone yet. They'll probably happen; it looks like all parties are game. I suppose the K9 match-up is being set up for Lara sometime after March 25. When I first read the article, it seemed that Bundrage was Lara's next opponent. Then I came across the news for the card at the Cosmopolitan. It's on their website.

thanks for the clarification.

I remember when K9 won the belt, I thought immediately that golden boy should be smart and get Lara a fight with him ASAP before someone else takes it.

I'm surprised it took so long. You'd think people would be begging to get a fight with K9 to take away his belt.

[Walt Liquor]

Lara's a quality fighter. He's no walk in the park for anyone in the division. But he's still coming up himself. The tricky thing with these Cuban defectors is that they're not exactly green, but they have limited pro experience. It's a combination not often seen before. It might take some time before their handlers figure out the right approach.

they still have an amateurish style in that they fight like they're trying to score, not take their opponent out sometimes, but lara looks like he's going to be a big problem for a guy as stiff defensively as canelo.

[CubanGuyNYC]

thanks for the clarification.

I remember when K9 won the belt, I thought immediately that golden boy should be smart and get Lara a fight with him ASAP before someone else takes it.

I'm surprised it took so long. You'd think people would be begging to get a fight with K9 to take away his belt.

The talks between K9 and Lara's camps might've taken place sometime after the fight with Molina was arranged. Since they want Bundrage and Lara on the undercard of the Alexander-Matthysse fight, the logistics had to be ironed out. Only one way to do it. Lara has to fight Carlos first, then K9.

It's clear that Erislandy and K9 aren't Wlad and Haye.

[CubanGuyNYC]

they still have an amateurish style in that they fight like they're trying to score, not take their opponent out sometimes, but lara looks like he's going to be a big problem for a guy as stiff defensively as canelo.

Old habits are hard to break, unfortunately. It's tough to change attitude and alter skills you've used since as far back as you can remember.

Guys like Gamboa and Lara are more suited to the pro game than Rigondeaux and, as we saw on the last FNF, Despaigne. Don't get me wrong, Rigo might be the most talented of the Cuban defectors, but his amateur habits are right there for all to see. They were especially evident in his last fight.

[Walt Liquor]

Old habits are hard to break, unfortunately. It's tough to change attitude and alter skills you've used since as far back as you can remember.

Guys like Gamboa and Lara are more suited to the pro game than Rigondeaux and, as we saw on the last FNF, Despaigne. Don't get me wrong, Rigo might be the most talented of the Cuban defectors, but his amateur habits are right there for all to see. They were especially evident in his last fight.

agreed. there was 0 adjustment by despy and you could see that he just kept going back to what worked for him in the amateurs- quick counters, coming in on a straight line and reaching with his punches.

[CubanGuyNYC]

agreed. there was 0 adjustment by despy and you could see that he just kept going back to what worked for him in the amateurs- quick counters, coming in on a straight line and reaching with his punches.

You said a mouthful, my friend. You perfectly described what I thought as I watched the fight. Despaigne looked like an amateur in there, while Syllakh boxed circles around him. Guys like Despaigne will look good against low level "pros," but get rudely awakened by serious talent. Breaking the habits that worked for so long is going to be the biggest challenge for these recently arrived Cubans. Clearly, they all have some talent. The ones who survive are the ones that adjust.