Lara: I Will Punish Martirosyan

October 9, 2012 – Golden Boy Promotions super-welterweight contender, Erislandy Lara (17-1-1, 11 KOs) ranked No. 1 in the WBC, and his team are preparing for war as they get ready for their upcoming title elimination bout against WBC No. 2 rated, Vanes Martirosyan (30-0, 20 KOs).

Team Lara is training in Houston, Texas, where his trainer Ronnie Shields is putting together a superb game plan to face the undefeated Top Rank fighter.

“Lara is looking sharp right now and he's going to make a statement when he steps in the ring with Vanes,” said Shields, who has trained Martirosyan in the past and knows him very well. “Although I think Vanes is a good fighter, Lara is on another level. We are working hard and it will show on fight night.”

After defeating Freddy Hernandez (30-3, 20 KOs) and Ronald Hearns (26-3, 20 KOs) in his last two fights, Lara feels his relationship with Shields is growing stronger every day.

“I have a ton of respect for my team because they give me all the right advice to be successful,” stated Lara. “The trust we have for one another makes for a great partnership. They know how bad I wanted this fight. Martirosyan doesn't know what he's got himself into and I will punish him on fight night.”

“My strength and conditioning coach, Edward “Jack” Jackson, has got me in tip top shape and Ronnie Shields with assistant coach Hylon Williams Sr. are doing their part as well to make sure I'm 100% ready for this fight. I'm happy with my team and together we are unstoppable.”

Erislandy and Vanes are fighting each other on a Top Rank card who won the purse bid to promote the fight, which takes place at the Wynn Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 10, 2012. This will be the first time in two years that these two heated rivals will have their fighters facing off against one another. The fight will be televised by HBO.

“Lara is in top physical and mental form for this fight. He is the best Jr. Middleweight in the world and he'll keep proving it fight by fight,” said manager Luis DeCubas Jr. “We will make a statement on HBO November 10th!”