Erislandy Lara

Erislandy Lara Net Worth 2024, Next Fight, Partner, Record & More

Who is Erislandy Lara?

Erislandy Lara, born on April 11, 1983, is a distinguished Cuban-American professional boxer known for his exceptional technical skills and strategic prowess in the ring. As the current WBA middleweight champion, a title he has held since 2021, Lara has demonstrated his elite boxing ability across multiple weight classes.

He previously dominated the light middleweight division, holding various versions of the WBA title—including both Regular and Super—and the IBO light middleweight title twice between 2015 and 2021. Lara’s boxing career began with notable success as an amateur. He was the captain of the Cuban national team, securing a gold medal in the welterweight division at the 2005 World Championships.

His prowess was further evidenced by his triumph in three consecutive Cuban national championships from 2005 to 2007. Lara’s blend of technical skill, tactical intelligence, and championship experience solidifies his reputation as one of the most proficient and respected fighters in the sport today.

Erislandy Lara’s Early Life

Erislandy Lara’s journey from his humble beginnings in Guantanamo, Cuba, to becoming a world-class boxer is marked by incredible resilience. Born into severe poverty, Lara grew up in an area where homes were in disrepair and basic necessities were scarce. His mother, Marisol, battled alcoholism, leaving his grandmother, Silvia, to raise him and his younger sister while working as a short-order cook. 

Despite this challenging environment, Lara found solace and purpose in boxing, a path inspired by his admired uncle Santoya, a great amateur boxer. Training in Havana, Lara’s dedication was evident from a young age. He trained intensively in a crowded gym, ran daily through the city's streets, and was inspired by Cuban boxing legend Teofilo Stevenson, who embodied class and discipline. 

Lara, known as ‘Guantanamo Gold,’ quickly rose through the ranks of the Cuban national team, gaining national recognition. However, Lara’s promising amateur career faced a dramatic turn in 2007 when he—along with teammate Guillermo Rigondeaux—deserted their team during the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 

Their subsequent return to Cuba under harsh conditions marked the end of Lara’s amateur aspirations and led him to seek a new beginning outside the island. Despite these setbacks, Lara's resolve remained unshaken. 

In 2008, he embarked on a perilous journey across shark-infested waters, which took him to Germany and then eventually to the United States, driven by the hope of a better future for himself and his family. This daring escape set the stage for his emergence as a prominent figure in professional boxing.

Erislandy Lara’s Net Worth 2024

As of 2024, ‘The American Dream’ has a net worth of $2 million. Lara’s wealth is largely derived from his successful boxing career. Notable earnings include $1 million for his 2018 fight against Jarrett Hurd, a career-high purse. In 2017, he earned $700,000 for his bout with Terrell Gausha and $550,000 against Yuri Foreman. Not to forget, he received $1 million for his 2014 fight with Canelo Alvarez.

Despite experiencing his first loss to Paul Williams in 2011, Lara has continued to achieve success, including retaining his WBA Light Middleweight title and capturing the IBO Light Middleweight title. His net worth reflects his substantial prize money from these high-profile bouts. While details about endorsements are not well-publicized, Lara’s financial standing highlights his significant impact on the boxing world.

Erislandy Lara’s Career Timeline

Erislandy Lara began his boxing career as a teenager, establishing himself as a formidable amateur with three national titles at 147 pounds and an impressive record of 310 wins from 320 bouts. After defecting from Cuba, Lara turned professional in 2008, relocating to Miami and quickly making a name for himself as a technical specialist known for his patience and skill.

In 2005, Lara secured gold at the World Championships by avenging a previous loss to Andrey Balanov and defeating top competitors like Bakhtiyar Artayev. Turning professional, he initially showcased his talent with a string of victories. However, his career faced a significant challenge in 2011 when he suffered a controversial majority decision loss to Paul Williams, leading to the suspension of the judges involved.

Despite this setback, Lara rebounded with notable wins over Ronald Hearns and Alfredo Angulo, the latter demonstrating his precision-counter punching. In December 2013, Lara defeated Austin Trout, setting up a high-profile bout against Canelo Alvarez in July 2014. Although Lara out-landed Alvarez, he lost by split decision.

Continuing to defend his titles, the 41-year-old claimed the WBA World Middleweight title in May 2021 with a knockout victory over Thomas Lamanna. He further solidified his reputation with dominant performances against Gary O’Sullivan and Michael Zerafa, demonstrating his enduring skill and power. Lara’s career reflects a blend of technical mastery and resilience, maintaining his status among boxing’s elite.

Erislandy Lara’s Contract

Erislandy Lara's contract with Arena-Box Promotion marked a pivotal moment in his career, symbolizing both a new beginning and a significant leap forward. After his successful defection from Cuba and a challenging start in Germany, Lara's signing with the German promotion provided the platform he needed to showcase his extraordinary skills on a global stage. 

The deal, secured less than a month after Lara arrived in Germany, was a testament to his exceptional talent and the faith placed in him by Arena-Box Promotions. The contract not only opened doors for Lara but also represented a crucial turning point in his journey from an uncertain immigrant to a prominent professional boxer. 

Lara's debut fight, a decisive victory over Ivan Maslov, was a clear indicator of the potential the promoters saw in him. Over the years, Lara's contract with Arena-Box facilitated his rise through the ranks, leading to major titles and high-profile bouts.

Erislandy Lara’s Career Stats and Record

‘The American Dream’ has made a significant mark in boxing with a professional record of 30 wins, 3 losses, and 3 draws, including 18 knockouts. Born on April 11, 1983, in Guantanamo, Cuba, Lara fights at 160 lbs with a height of 5'9" and a reach of 75". Training out of Houston, Texas, Lara fights southpaw and has boxed 236 rounds, boasting a knockout percentage of 60%. His impressive amateur record includes 310 wins and just 10 losses, showcasing his long-standing talent and dedication to the sport.

Erislandy Lara’s Titles

Erislandy Lara has held multiple prestigious titles throughout his career. He initially gained prominence as the WBA (Regular) super welterweight champion, claiming the title with a victory over Alfredo Angulo in 2013. Lara further cemented his status by defending this title successfully against notable opponents such as Austin Trout and Jan Zaveck. 

His career saw a significant highlight in 2019 when he fought Brian Castaño for the WBA super welterweight title, resulting in a split-decision draw. Lara later won the vacant WBA super welterweight title by defeating Ramón Álvarez and defended it against Greg Vendetti. In 2024, ‘The American Dream’ ascended to the middleweight division, capturing the WBA middleweight title with a TKO victory over Michael Zerafa. He is scheduled to defend his middleweight title against Danny Garcia on September 14, 2024.

Erislandy Lara’s Social Media Accounts

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