Erislandy Lara vs. Johan Gonzalez: Who has the edge heading into their fight?

Erislandy Lara had trained and prepared to unify the middleweight division with Janibek Alimkhanuly before the latter failed a test for an adverse finding, wiping out their anticipated fight.

Instead, Lara will now put his WBA middleweight world title on the line against a rugged late replacement in Johan Gonzalez at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, and live on pay-per-view, Saturday night.

The 42-year-old Lara (31-3-3, 19 KOs) last stopped Danny Garcia in nine rounds back in September 2024 to record his third title defense by stoppage victory. He will be up against Gonzalez (36-4, 34 KOs), who eked out a split decision over Jarrett Hurd in March.

Will Lara’s technical boxing and sudden power surge be too much for Gonzalez to handle? Or will the underdog slide right in to shock the Cuban with what would be a stunning upset?

DAZN News analyzes who has the edge entering this middleweight title bout.

Boxing Styles

Erislandy Lara is a technically sound, efficient and disciplined fighter from the southpaw stance.

When he’s not asserting his jab or keeping opponents honest with a check hook, Lara is steadily prodding and poking away with enough output to earn points and bank rounds in a frustrating style to deal with.

He’ll put that style up against Johan Gonzalez’ hard-hitting brawling, which includes clubbing shots to the body and hooks around the guard.

The fact that he can be hit, though, gives a ring general like Lara the edge in this style clash.

Edge: Lara

Power

Lara has jump-started his power, using it to knock out four straight opponents in what has been somewhat of an unexpected surge.

But even still, Gonzalez is an opponent whose power is noted, counting 34 of his 36 wins by stoppage for a sensational knockout ratio of 94 percent.

The advantage here goes to the Venezuelan challenger.

Edge: Gonzalez

Mental Warfare

Training for one opponent all along, only for a late replacement to take his place, could be a lot to deal with mentally.

But Lara has too much experience to let this be a real detriment.

The Cuban is oozing with ring savvy and veteran guile, which he will put to work in trying to ensure Gonzalez cannot upset him.

Edge: Lara

Who has the edge in Lara vs. Gonzalez?

Lara has been winning so convincingly of late that one wonders how long the 42-year-old can keep having his hand raised at this level.

While Gonzalez will be a threat and a durable opponent to handle, DAZN News likes Lara to retain his WBA middleweight title yet again in convincing fashion. It's why he gets the 2-1 edge heading into Saturday night.

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