Report- Erislandy Lara Picks WBA Middleweight Top Spot

The dubious practices and shenanigans have finally caught up with the WBA, including having fighters being listed in multiple divisions as “interim” champion or #1 contender. And, now that they have begun to reduce that, boxers like Middleweight contender Erislandy Lara have had to choose which top ranking they want?

Further, a report Tuesday morning says, that the Cuban-born, former Jr. Middleweight champ, has chosen to stay at 160 lb. (he’s also #1 at 154 lb. for the WBA) and force a title shot at Middleweight. Boxing insider Dan Rafael put on social media that he’s learned Lara is aiming to fight WBA “World” Middleweight champ Ryota Murata of Japan,

Per sources, Lara has vacated the WBA regular 154 title and opted to keep the WBA 160 regular title. In doing so Lara team asked for the WBA to order a fight between Lara and 160 super titleholder Ryota Murata. #boxing https://t.co/uNXJlEEHB4

— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) August 31, 2021

Lara was last in action in May, when he destroyed Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna in Carson, CA, with a single shot in under :90 of round one. That was the Cuban’s, who is believed to be 38 years old, debut at Middleweight. He said after that fight,

“I feel great physically. I’m going to keep doing this until my body tells me I can’t do it anymore. I don’t feel like I’ve taken a lot of punishment in my career and I know I have at least another three years of my prime left.”

Lara previously held the WBA Jr. Middleweight titles for nearly three years, until IBF World Champ, Jarrett Hurd, beat him in Las Vegas by a narrow split decision in April of 2018. Lara fought another controversial draw in March 2019 in a contender fight at 154 lb. with now, current, WBO World Jr. Middleweight champ, Brian Castano in Brooklyn.

As for the potential of fighting Murata, that still won’t happen this year for Lara, even with the WBA’s #1 designation. That’s because Murata still intends to take on former Undisputed and current IBF Middleweight champ, Gennady Golovkin in Japan in late December.

Back to the WBA and their contradictory practices, the Japanese champ hasn’t fought in defense of his belt since December of 2019 and the organization hasn’t forced him to do so or relinquish their “world” title.

Still, it appears Lara could get the winner of Murata-Golovkin next or the WBA might vacate the winner and let Lara fight another contender for their belt.