Lara, who currently holds the World Boxing Association ‘regular’ version, faces Dominican Rodriguez for the title previously owned by Zaurbek Baysangurov as the Cuban aims to unify the world titles live on Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions.
Rodriguez is coming out of semi-retirement on the night and now has the opportunity to claim two title belts having failed in earlier attempts against Isaac Hlatshwayo and Austin Trout. The 35 year-old is without a win since 2013 when halting Freddy Hernandez in eight rounds.
The pair successfully made weight on Thursday, coming in well under the 154lbs limit, and now head a top class card at the UIC Pavilion which includes standout light heavyweight Artur Beterbiev and cruiserweight Eleider Alvaraz – both of whom are undefeated. Beterbiev faces veteran Alexander Johnson, whilst Alvarez collides with Ukrainian Anatoliy Dudchenko.
Also on the bill, lightweights Anthony Peterson and Ammeth Diaz go at it over ten rounds and another ten-rounder features heavyweight bruiser Artur Szpilka as the Pole looks to continue his progress against journeyman Manuel Quezada.
