LAS VEGAS -- There seems to be a run on unification fights recently and April 7 will be no different. On Saturday night IBF junior middleweight champion Jarrett Hurd (21-0, 15 KOs) will take on WBA title holder Erislandy Lara (25-2-2, 14 KOs) on Showtime. If nothing else it should be an interesting contrast of styles.
Hurd began his career fighting a string of mostly unknown and not too dangerous opponents. Since stepping up in 2015 though Hurd hasn't looked back. The 27-year-old fights out of the orthodox stance and loves to work on the inside. He throws short punches and can do damage with both hands because he carries good power in both hands.
At times Hurd's unorthodox style can be slightly reminiscent of Emanuel Augustus known more by his nickname "The Drunken Master." While Hurd doesn't get as wild as Augustus did, there are flashes, especially when he leaves his lead hand low and really moves on the inside. Hurd really began to make a name for himself in 2015 and he has faced good competition ever since, beating the likes of Austin Trout and Tony Harrison. Lara is in a different league from his previous opponents though and this should be the toughest fight of Hurd's career.
Although Lara brings two losses into the ring he is arguably an undefeated fighter. Lara's only losses came against Paul Williams and Saul "Canelo" Alvarez. There is no doubt that Lara beat Williams and was robbed by the judges and while his fight with Alvarez was much closer it still should have probably been a win on his record. Above all else Lara is known for being a slick defensive fighter who epitomizes the Cuban style.
Lara is seven years older than Hurd and also gives up inches in both height and reach. That should make it even tougher for the southpaw Lara to control the action with his jab. Lara has a really nice jab and follows it well with his left hand but defensively is where he really shines. However, at times Lara can get too complacent and give up rounds and he can't afford to do that against Hurd.
The contrast of styles should be apparent very quickly in this fight, and now just because Hurd is an orthodox fighter and Lara is a southpaw. Hurd is much bigger and is the more aggressive fighter. Expect him to try and stay on the inside where he can catch Lara with short power punches and use his size to make it a rough fight. As for Lara, he will look to do what he usually does, control his opponent with his jab, make him pay from time to time with power punches, and skillfully dance out of danger.
PREDICTION: This should be a close fight from start to finish and both Jarrett Hurd and Erislandy Lara will make it to the final bell. Hurd will put in some good work and give a good account of himself but the better defense of Lara will be the difference and he will get the majority decision win.
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| Hurd catching Austin Trout with a massive shot |
At times Hurd's unorthodox style can be slightly reminiscent of Emanuel Augustus known more by his nickname "The Drunken Master." While Hurd doesn't get as wild as Augustus did, there are flashes, especially when he leaves his lead hand low and really moves on the inside. Hurd really began to make a name for himself in 2015 and he has faced good competition ever since, beating the likes of Austin Trout and Tony Harrison. Lara is in a different league from his previous opponents though and this should be the toughest fight of Hurd's career.
Although Lara brings two losses into the ring he is arguably an undefeated fighter. Lara's only losses came against Paul Williams and Saul "Canelo" Alvarez. There is no doubt that Lara beat Williams and was robbed by the judges and while his fight with Alvarez was much closer it still should have probably been a win on his record. Above all else Lara is known for being a slick defensive fighter who epitomizes the Cuban style.
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| Lara sticking Terrell Gausha with a jab |
The contrast of styles should be apparent very quickly in this fight, and now just because Hurd is an orthodox fighter and Lara is a southpaw. Hurd is much bigger and is the more aggressive fighter. Expect him to try and stay on the inside where he can catch Lara with short power punches and use his size to make it a rough fight. As for Lara, he will look to do what he usually does, control his opponent with his jab, make him pay from time to time with power punches, and skillfully dance out of danger.
PREDICTION: This should be a close fight from start to finish and both Jarrett Hurd and Erislandy Lara will make it to the final bell. Hurd will put in some good work and give a good account of himself but the better defense of Lara will be the difference and he will get the majority decision win.
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