Erislandy Lara is confident in prolonging his boxing career

In an era where youth often dictates the pace and longevity in sports, Erislandy Lara, the Cuban boxing stalwart, stands as a testament to durability and skill beyond the conventional age boundaries. Approaching the age of 41, Lara remains a formidable force in the middleweight division, holding the WBA 160-pound title amidst a competitive field of younger contenders. His upcoming bout with the rising star Michael Zerafa on March 30th is seen by many as a litmus test for Lara's staying power at the top.

Despite the age gap between him and many of his rivals, Lara’s recent performances speak volumes of his undiminished prowess in the ring. With a current streak of four consecutive wins, three by way of knockout, Lara showcases not just his enduring strength but also a tactical evolution from his earlier fighting style. Once known for his elusive movement and counterpunching, Lara now adopts a more stationary, aggressive approach, evidencing his adaptability and strategic depth.

In a candid discussion with Tha Boxing Voice, Lara expressed a realistic yet optimistic outlook on his career trajectory. Acknowledging the changes in his physicality over the years, he nevertheless affirmed his current state of strength and readiness. “I feel strong, I feel great,” Lara stated, highlighting his continued competitiveness despite not feeling quite as invincible as in his youth.

As the oldest champion not only in the middleweight division but across all boxing categories, Lara is acutely aware of the inevitable conclusion to his professional journey. Yet, his legacy as a multi-division champion and the financial security he has secured for his future underscore a career already replete with accomplishments. Despite this, Lara remains focused on the present, dismissing retirement talks with a firm declaration of his intent to remain active in the sport. “I’m still here. I’m not going anywhere for a while,” Lara affirmed, signaling his determination to defy age and expectations for as long as his passion and body will allow.

Image Credit: PBC