PBC returns to the Barclays Center for the return of former world champion Erislandy Lara, hot off the heels of one of the best fights of 2018.
On March 2, Lara will get another chance to become a world champion when he takes on WBA "Regular" junior middleweight champion Brian Castano in the main event. The fight will not only be Lara's first fight in 10 months but will also be just the fifth fight in the United States for the Argentine champion.
Lara has been a mainstay in the 154-pound division for years. After a highly successful amateur career, Lara became the next Cuban sensation to take the pro ranks by storm, but it would take years before he would get big fights and title opportunities. After wins over Alfredo Angulo and Austin Trout, Lara gave Canelo Alvarez his toughest test so far as a pro in a pay-per-view bout in 2014 in a losing effort.
Since then, Lara emerged as a true star in the junior middleweight division, capturing the WBA and IBO titles and being on one of the longest win streaks of his career. Lara then faced Jarrett Hurd in a unification bout last April and in one of the closest and most competitive fights of the year, Lara's win streak and title reign came to an end thanks to a split decision loss.
As for Castano, the 29-year-old from Argentina has nary a presence in the United States, fighting only a handful of times in the country a few years back. Castano was on the fast track to success after winning his first eight bouts, but was sidelined due to arrhythmia.
But Castano has earned a reputation as being one of the division's best kept secrets, capturing the WBA's interim title back in 2016. After Demetrius Andrade vacated his "Super" title that year, Castano was elevated to "Regular" champion while Lara was promoted to "Super" champion. After wins over Michel Soro and Cedric Vitu, Castano is ready to return to the United States and secure a spot as one of the best 154-pound fighters in the world today.
The fight will be televised on Showtime live on March 2. Below is the full Showtime card set to take place from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York:
- Erislandy Lara vs. Brian Castano: WBA "Regular" Junior Middleweight Title
- Luis Ortiz vs. Christian Hammer: Heavyweight Bout
- Bryan De Gracia vs. Eduardo Ramirez: WBA Gold Featherweight Title
Tale of the tape:
Erislandy Lara:
Record: 25-3-2 (14 KO)
Age: 35
Height: 5'9"
Reach: 74"
Notable Fights: Jarrett Hurd, Canelo Alvarez, Yuri Foreman, Ishe Smith, Austin Trout, Paul Williams
Titles Won: IBO Junior Middleweight, Interim WBA Junior Middleweight, WBA Junior Middleweight Titles
Brian Castano:
Record: 15-0 (11 KO)
Age: 29
Height: 5'6"
Reach: 67"
Notable Fights: Michel Soro, Cedric Vitu
Titles Won: Interim WBA Junior Middleweight, WBA "Regular" Junior Middleweight Titles
