Highlights from Cruz-Roach Undercard Media Workout
Earlier today in Las Vegas, multiple fighters who will be fighting on the card December 6th headlined by Isaac Cruz versus Lamont Roach Jr. had a workout in front of multiple media members. The fighters were Erislandy Lara, Shane Mosley, Rances Barthelemy, Isaac Lucero, and Luis Nunez.
Lara (31-3-3, 19 KOs), who puts his WBA middleweight title on the line against WBO and IBF champion Janibek Alimkhanuly, has heard the talk about Janibek being feared in the division.
“Let people keep thinking that Janibek is the most dangerous guy in the division. We’ll see on December 6 if that holds.”
The fighter from Cuba now residing in Houston says that he will continue to be the fighter that has been able to score four straight knockout victories, but can also use his skillset to get the better of Janibek.
“Fans are going to see a Lara that’s going in there to throw punches to hurt Janibek. I’m coming to hurt my opponent. If I get the opportunity, I’m gonna end the night early. If it goes the distance, you’ll see me win a beautiful fight.”
Shane Mosley Jr. (22-4, 12 KOs) takes on Jesus Ramos Jr. (23-1, 19 KOs) in the opener of the Amazon Prime PPV telecast and the interim WBC middleweight title will be on the line. He has had camp with his father in his corner and is going into this bout with a five fight winning streak, giving him lots of confidence ahead of December 6th.
“Training camp has been going great,” Mosley said. I’m blessed to have my dad in the corner and a great support team all around. I’m ready for this opportunity. I’m gonna display great boxing and all of my skills.”
In a conversation with The Boxing Source earlier this week, he expressed his interest in fighting the champions in the middleweight division. He reiterated that after the media workout.
“A win on December 6th makes me a champion and puts me in a conversation to fight other champions, including some who are on this card.”
He still knows the task in front of him on December 6th, and feels that what he has gone through in his career has him ready for battle.
“My journey has fortified me. It’s made me strong and it’s made me more focused. Fans can expect a great fight.”
Also participating in the workout was former two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy (30-3-1, 15 KOs) who will be fighting Frank Martin (18-1, 12 KOs) on the card. It is his first fight since falling short against Jose Carlos Ramirez in April of last year. He feels that he can get back in the mix at super lightweight, and become a champion once again.
“I want to show the world that I’ve still got a lot left to give this sport. I still want to add another world title to my resume and that’s continued to push me forward.
“I’ve been in the ring with everybody and every kind of style there is. So I’ve studied Martin, but he doesn’t have anything that stands out that much or that I haven’t seen before. He’s got youth on his side. That’s the only advantage he could have in this fight.”
The Cuban who now lives in Las Vegas is looking forward to this matchup.
“This is gonna be a beautiful fight and I’m going to make it an exciting fight. I love to face southpaws. Whenever I face lefties I make it action packed and fight from both sides.”
The media workout included Isaac Lucero and Luis Nunez who are also trained by Bob Santos. Lucero will fight Roberto Valenzuela Jr. and Nunez goes up against Hector Sosa opening the card on Amazon Prime. Both fighters are undefeated and aim to get big victories on December 6th.
“I’m very proud to have this opportunity to represent Mexico,” Lucero said. “I want to do my best to make those fans proud and be as great as people believe I can be. I’m going to make sure that I work hard and stay dedicated to my craft to prove those people right.”
“I’m relaxed and I’m confident in my training. I’m calm and ready to have a successful night on December 6th,” Nunez said. “This is the opportunity that I’ve been looking for. I’ve wanted to fight on a big stage like this so that my career can take off to the next level. A win puts me right at the top and gets me in contention for a world title.”
Photos by Ryan Hafey from Premier Boxing Champions
