Hot take: Erislandy Lara vs. Jarrett Hurd will resemble Yves Ulysse Jr. vs. Cletus Seldin writ large

I have made my mind up. Even though I like Lara more and want him to win I just can't pick him here. I think Lara has slipped he hasn't looked good in years really. I think Hurd is just too much for him to handle at his age, a big aggressive guy with an iron chin who keeps coming is all wrong for him at this point in his career. Will Lara find a home for his left hand, yes. Will Lara look like 2 levels above Hurd at times yes. Will Hurd look like a guy who just started boxing a day ago yes but at the end of the day it won't matter. Hurd is simply more mentally strong and more durable and more importantly more hungry than Lara is at this point in his career. He will eventually wear a faded Lara down over the course of the fight and possibly stop him late. Lara can't move and box for a full 12 rounds like he used to, he will be forced back into the ropes and at times be forced to trade with Hurd who will get the best of him in those exchanges especially late. If this was a prime Lara I wouldn't hesitate to pick him here but he's not prime and for that I just can't pick him here. Hurd by UD or TKO.

I meant to vote for Hurd in the poll but accidently voted for Lara.

 

I see DeGale got his teeth back.

 

LOL Hurd at 153, well maybe if he loses he could move down to 147

 

How he does it is beyond me.

 

That's my thought as well.
It might end up like margarito cotto 1. Although I think Lara is the better boxer than cotto at that stage.
I saw Hurd and he can throw a right hand and if they land a few times, it could make a big difference. Very intriguing match up.

 

How do you think it'll go IB? I favour Gallimore simply because J-Rock looks like a ghost since the Charlo loss. He looked bad against Smith too.