Boxing News Boxing News
Big time boxing returns to The Land of Silver this evening as ageless local icon Luis Alberto Lazarte endangers his IBF light flyweight crown for the first time when he meets Nicaraguan slugger Nerys Espinoza at Club Once Unidos in Mar Del Plata.
After a long career spent winning and losing regional minimumweight, light fly and flyweight crowns, along with four failed world title bids between 2001 and 2007, Lazarte, 47-9-1 (18), finally struck paydirt this past May at age 39.
That was when “El Mosquito” won a split decision against Colombia’s reigning IBF ruler Carlos Tamara, not a bad achievement given Tamara had just come off a stoppage of Brian Viloria four months before.
But, all that counts for nothing once the bell rings tonight as Lazarte must find a way to overcome heavy-hitting 29 year old Espinoza, who at 5 foot 5 will tower over the 5 foot 1 champion.
Lazarte will have a few advantages on his side, however, as he will perform in his hometown and at the very same venue in which he won the IBF title last Spring.
Also, Espinoza hasn’t fared so well in previous trips up the mountain, losing via wide points decision to IBF boss Ulises Solis in 2008 and a closer but ultimately losing gambit for Roberto Vasquez’ WBA gem in 2005.
But Espinoza will definitely have the edge in punching power, youth and height. Those attributes could combine to make life very difficult for the 39 year old Lazarte, especially in the later rounds, if the champion can’t manage to take away the challenger’s confidence early on.
