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Home » Erislandy Lara scores sensational KO to defend WBA belt

Erislandy Lara scores sensational KO to defend WBA belt

WBA Middleweight World Champion Erislandy Lara delivered a sensational knockout over Michael Zerafa in the second round of their title fight.

After a feel-out first round, Lara found a home for a vicious one-two combination punctuated by a blistering straight left that sent Zerafa down. The number one ranked middleweight contender by the WBA, Zerafa was able to get to his feet but was on shaky legs, which forced referee Allen Huggins to halt the bout 2:59 into the round.

Erislandy Lara KO

Lara is a two-division world champion and one of Cuba’s greatest boxers. He followed up a long championship run in the 154-pound division with three straight knockouts since moving up to middleweight. Boxing’s oldest reigning world champion, Lara, landed 18 jabs in the first two rounds to set up the straight left that closed the show.

“I want to dedicate this fight to the fans that have supported me throughout my career, both from Cuba and all over the world as well,” said Lara.

“I worked so hard in training because I know all these fighters are coming for my title. By staying ready, you don’t have to get ready. I have always said I only need one or two rounds to size my opponent.

“I knew I had him from the very first round. That left-hand shot was just a matter of time.”

Julio Cesar Martinez victorious

Opening the pay-per-view, WBC Flyweight World Champion Julio Cesar Martinez (21-3, 15 KOs) dropped the previously unbeaten Angelino Cordova (18-1-1, 12 KOs) twice. He then took a majority decision victory by scores of 114-112 twice and 113-113 in a close fight.

Preceding the pay-per-view, PBC on Prime Video action was topped by a toe-to-toe battle that saw Serhii Bohachuk (24-1, 23 KOs) take home a unanimous decision over Brian Mendoza (22-4, 16 KOs).

In the process, he won the Interim WBC Super Welterweight Title. Bohachuk dominated many early frames before Mendoza rallied in the last third of the fight.

After several explosive exchanges in the final round, Bohachuk took home the decision by scores of 118-110 and 117-111 twice.

TGB Promotions promoted the event. The main event was promoted in association with No Limit Boxing.

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