WBA CHAMP ERISLANDY LARA WINS EASY
Las Vegas, NV-In the first defense, Erislandy Lara (20-2-2, 1 KOs) won impressively over Contender TV show veteran and former IBF titleholder Ishe Smith (26-7, 12 KOs) live from San Antonio, TX on a Friday night broadcast of Showtime boxing. The Cuban utilized his superior footwork to constantly frustrate Las Vegan Smith over twelve rounds. Easy bout to score as the southpaw from Cuba used that footwork to set traps and land accurate left hands.
Erislandy Lara
Smith attempted to close the gap as he only appeared to have success when Lara’s back was on the ropes. The Showtime commentators constantly hinted at Lara’s perceived unappealing style of a “boxer/mover.” That being said, it will be tough for the Cuban to get big fights. Scores were 119-109 twice and 117-111. Smith had bruising around both eyes.
FLOYD INTERVIEWED ON SHOWTIME BROADCAST
In a huge disply of bravado, Floyd Mayweather blasted the Pacquiao camp in an interview with Steve Farhood. He made it clear that he wants to fight Manny Pacquiao. He generally accused Bob Arum for fooling the public that he doesn’t want to fight, and instead claims that they have been ducking him for years.
POTENTIAL FIGHT IN NEGOTIATIONS
Manny vs Mayweather
For the first time both sides have confirmed that they are trying to make the super-fight happen. However there still appear to be hurdles to overcome. Mayweather feels he deserves the lions share of the money as Manny’s PPV numbers are in decline and won’t face the Filipino star unless it’s on Showtime.
“I would love to fight Manny Pacquaio,we tried to make the fight happen years ago. We had problems with random blood and urine testing, I just want to be on an even playing field. Now he’s in a very, very tight situation. He’s lost to Marquez, he’s lost to Bradley, PPV’s are low, so he is desperate.”
Floyd did make it clear that he is in the drivers seat and there are certain concessions on Manny and Bob Arums part if the fight is to be made.
“Floyd Mayweather is not ducking or dodging any opponent. Bob Arum is stopping the fight. We have been trying to make this fight happen behind the scenes for years now, but the fans and the people have been fooled…We want the fight, we’re ready. Lets make it happen. May 2nd. Mayweather vs Manny Pacquaio. Lets do it.”
FLOYD FURTHER EXPLAINS HIS SIDE OF THE STORY
“Before when we tried to make the fight happen, you didn’t want to take random blood and urine testing. So thats why the fight didn’t happen. Then I offered you 40 million, then you didn’t want to make the fight happen. Then you lost twice, now you come back begging for the same money, thats not going to happen. Lets make this fight happen for the people, for the fans, Mayweather vs Manny Pacquaio May2nd. Cinco de Mayweather”.
One has to wonder if both sides can come to an agreement that is favorable for both parties. While Manny’s numbers have declined, so have Floyds. The true reality is that both have clearly run out of quality opponents to fight. The boxing fans have grew tired of the narrative. With so much money on the table both sides need to recognize that each need to give certain concessions for the bout to have any chance of occurring.
-Kevin Perry