Erislandy Lara Bio
Erislandy Lara Santoya, born on April 11, 1983, in Guantanamo, Cuba, is a Cuban-American professional boxer known for his technical skill and multiple world championships. He has held titles in two weight classes, including the WBA middleweight title since 2023 and the WBA super welterweight title from 2014 to 2021. Lara’s career began in 2009 after a successful amateur career highlighted by a welterweight gold medal at the 2005 World Championships.
Early Life and Background
Erislandy Lara was born in Guantanamo, Cuba, where he developed his boxing skills as part of the Cuban amateur system. He competed at a high level in amateur boxing, winning three consecutive Cuban national championships from 2005 to 2007. Lara was also captain of the Cuban national amateur team, showcasing his leadership and talent early on.
His amateur career was distinguished by victories over top opponents, including a gold medal at the 2005 World Championships. Lara’s early exposure to international competition helped shape his technical style and ring intelligence. Details about his formal education are not publicly noted.
Path to Boxing
Lara was a standout amateur boxer in Cuba, where he faced and defeated several world-class opponents. He was considered a favorite for the 2008 Beijing Olympics but defected from Cuba in 2007 during the Pan American Games. After a failed initial attempt and a period of banishment from boxing in Cuba, Lara successfully defected in 2008, eventually joining the professional ranks in 2009.
Upon turning professional, Lara joined the Arena Box-Promotion stable in Hamburg, Germany, alongside other former Olympic champions. His transition from amateur to professional boxing was marked by rapid success and recognition for his technical prowess.
Erislandy Lara Career
Early Career (2009–2013)
Lara made his professional debut in 2009, quickly establishing himself with a series of victories, including multiple first-round knockouts. Early notable fights included wins over Rodrigo Aguiar, Keith Gross, and Edwin Vazquez. He demonstrated a combination of speed, power, and technical skill that set him apart from many contemporaries.
During this period, Lara built an undefeated streak, showcasing his southpaw stance and effective jab. His early career was characterized by steady progression through the ranks and growing recognition in the light middleweight division.
WBA Super Welterweight Champion Era (2013–2021)
On June 8, 2013, Lara won the interim WBA super welterweight title by defeating Alfredo Angulo via TKO. This victory marked his arrival as a world-class contender. He successfully defended the title multiple times, including notable wins over Austin Trout and Delvin Rodríguez.
Lara’s reign included winning the IBO super welterweight title in 2015 and defending both titles against top contenders such as Jan Zaveck, Vanes Martirosyan, and Terrell Gausha. His technical skill, footwork, and precise punching were hallmarks of his style during this era.
One of Lara’s significant bouts was a close and controversial split decision loss to Canelo Álvarez in 2014 at a catchweight of 155 pounds. Despite the loss, Lara remained a dominant force in the division, continuing to defend his titles successfully.
Transition to Middleweight and WBA Middleweight Champion (2021–Present)
In 2021, Lara moved up to the middleweight division, where he captured the WBA middleweight title. He has since defended the title successfully, including a second-round TKO victory over Michael Zerafa in March 2024 and a ninth-round stoppage of Danny Garcia in September 2024.
Lara is scheduled to face Johan Gonzalez in December 2025 for the unified middleweight titles after the original opponent was replaced due to an anti-doping violation. His current performances demonstrate his continued relevance and skill at the highest levels of boxing.
Driving Style and Strengths
Erislandy Lara is known for his technical boxing ability, utilizing a southpaw stance with exceptional footwork and defensive skills. He excels at controlling distance with his jab and counterpunching, often outmaneuvering opponents with fluid movement and sharp combinations. His timing and ring IQ are considered among the best in the sport.
Notable Events and Milestones
Lara’s career milestones include winning multiple world titles across two weight classes and maintaining a reputation as one of boxing’s most skilled technicians. His victory over Alfredo Angulo to claim the interim WBA super welterweight title and his recent successful defenses of the WBA middleweight title stand out as career highlights.
Erislandy Lara Career Wins
Throughout his professional career, Erislandy Lara has amassed 32 wins, including 19 by knockout, with only three losses and three draws. His victories span multiple weight divisions and include several world championship bouts.
WBA Super Welterweight Highlights
Lara captured the WBA super welterweight title in 2013 and defended it successfully multiple times until 2021. His first major win for the title came against Alfredo Angulo via TKO. He maintained dominance in the division with wins over top contenders and unified the title with the IBO belt.
His most recent notable win in this division was against Terrell Gausha in 2017, where he showcased his superior technical skills and ring generalship.
WBA Middleweight Highlights
Since moving up to middleweight, Lara has secured the WBA title and defended it successfully. His notable wins include a second-round TKO over Michael Zerafa and a stoppage of Danny Garcia. These victories affirm his ability to compete and succeed at a higher weight class.
Other Wins & Performances
Lara’s amateur career was distinguished by a gold medal at the 2005 World Championships and multiple Cuban national championships. His professional record reflects consistent success against high-level competition, underscoring his status as a top-tier boxer.
Erislandy Lara Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Erislandy Lara’s family background and lineage are not publicly documented. There is no verified information regarding family members involved in boxing or other sports.
Personal Life
Information about Lara’s personal life, including marital status and children, is not publicly available or verified. He is known primarily for his professional achievements in boxing.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Erislandy Lara is set to continue his reign as WBA middleweight champion with a scheduled fight against Johan Gonzalez for the unified middleweight titles. This bout represents a significant opportunity to unify belts and solidify his legacy in the division.
Lara’s recent performances have demonstrated his enduring skill and adaptability, maintaining a high level of competition well into his career. His technical style and experience position him as a formidable opponent in the middleweight class for the upcoming season.