Cuban veteran Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (32-3-3, 19 KOs) reminded the boxing world that his craft remains to be very a lot intact, scoring a large unanimous determination over Venezuela’s Johan “Manotas” González (36-5, 34 KOs) to retain his WBA world middleweight title at 160 kilos. The bout, staged at San Antonio’s Frost Financial institution Middle, showcased the huge hole in expertise and ring IQ between champion and challenger.
The judges’ scorecards instructed the story: 118–108, 120–106, and 119–107, all for Lara. The Cuban set the tone early, flooring González within the opening spherical with a pointy, well-timed mixture that caught the challenger chilly. From there, Lara boxed on his personal phrases—dictating vary along with his trademark jab, slick footwork, and crisp counterpunching that systematically defused each try by the Venezuelan to use stress.
González, recognized for his knockout energy, tried to impose his aggression within the center rounds, however he by no means managed to crack Lara’s defensive shell. His willpower saved him upright, however the disparity grew because the champion continued to select him aside. Within the twelfth, Lara dropped him once more with a clear proper hand that left the challenger on unsteady legs. González beat the depend and closed the battle with coronary heart, however the consequence had already been sealed.
With this victory, the 42-year-old Lara retains his world title and proves he stays a grasp craftsman—an growing old tactician who can nonetheless outthink and outclass youthful, stronger opposition. The win cements his place among the many most completed Cuban boxers of this period.
For González, the loss is a troublesome setback in his first main world-title bid. He confirmed grit and toughness, however two knockdowns and lopsided scorecards made clear the hole between his offensive fashion and Lara’s high-level expertise.
The San Antonio showcase additional solidified Lara’s legacy. A world champion in two divisions, he has constructed a profession dealing with elite names, and this conquer González not solely reinforces his standing however positions him for extra marquee nights in 2026.
