Lara: “My Goal Is To Punish Vanes”

LOS ANGELES, November 1 – After two years of talking, the wait is almost over and Vanes Martirosyan, will finally fight Cuban star Erislandy Lara. Lara, who is recognized as one of the best fighters in the world, and Martirosyan, an unbeaten 2004 United States Olympian, will put everything on the line in a 12 round WBC Super Welterweight World title elimination fight that will headline the Saturday, November 10 edition of HBO Boxing After Dark at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. from the Lafite Ballroom at Wynn Las Vegas.

“The fight is almost here and the fans are in for a great night of action,” said the number one rated WBC super welterweight contender who has wanted to corner the trash-talking Martirosyan in the ring since 2010. “My goal is to punish Vanes in this fight because he's been talking so much trash. This fight has been a long time in coming and I'm going to make him pay for his disrespect.”

“I'm extremely focused and mentally prepared to give fans a great performance on November 10^th,” continued Lara. “I've worked hard my entire life to get into position to fight for a world championship and Martirosyan stands in my way. Like all Cuban fighters, we bring a lot of heart and soul into the ring and this fight will be no different. I'm coming to establish myself as the best super welterweight in the world.”

“This fight is dedicated to all those who are suffering and have lost their lives to Hurricane Sandy including the 11 Cubans who were killed by the storm,” continued Lara. “My prayers go out to all of their families. God Bless!”

“I'm excited to see Lara show his skills on November 10^th against Martirosyan,” said Oscar De La Hoya, president of Golden Boy Promotions. “This fight has been a long time coming and we're excited it is finally happening. I have full confidence that Lara will come out victorious and make a statement that he is a force in the 154 pound weight class.”

“Lara and Martirosyan are two of the top fighters at 154 pounds,” said Lara's manager Luis DeCubas Jr. “I can guarantee they will put on a great show for everyone watching on HBO. Lara is ready to show the world he's the best fighter in the division. The winner of this fight will be in a great position and that will be Erislandy Lara!”

A decorated member of the renowned Cuban amateur boxing program, 29-year-old Erislandy Lara (17-1-1, 11 KO's) is one of the most respected-and avoided-fighters in the world today. In 2011, Lara was on the short end of one of boxing's most controversial decisions in a July 2011 loss against Paul Williams after which all three judges were suspended indefinitely. Undeterred, the slick and powerful southpaw rebounded in 2012 with a 94 second technical knockout win over Ronald Hearns and a 10-round decision victory over Freddy Hernandez. Now he looks forward to his upcoming November 10 title elimination bout against number two rated WBC super welterweight contender Vanes Martirosyan (32-0, 20 KO's), a 26-year-old Californian who is coming off of a third round technical knockout win over Troy Lowry in February.

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