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Lara-Brewer added to Campillo-Shumenov II card

Fighters Network
13
Jan

A fascinating junior middleweight crossroads bout has been added to the light heavyweight title rematch between Javier Campillo and Beibut Shumenov that will take place in Las Vegas, Nev., on January 29.

Top prospect Erislandy Lara (9-0, 5 knockouts) will face grizzled veteran Grady Brewer (26-11, 15 KOs) in the Fox Sports Net-televised co-feature to Campillo-Shumenov at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Lara, a 26-year-old former amateur star from Cuba, has made a seamless transition to the professional ranks since defecting in 2008. In just nine pro fights the slick southpaw has dazzled boxing insiders and fans alike with his speed, power and poise.

Fresh off of a near-shutout win over veteran Luciano Perez in his first 10-round fight last December, Lara will up the ante once again when he takes on Brewer in his second 10-round bout.



“This is a big opportunity for me and I'm happy to be fighting a quality opponent like Grady Brewer,” said Lara. “I know he's going to come ready to fight, but so am I, and I want to make a statement by giving the fans my best performance yet.”

The story of Lawton, Oklahoma’s Brewer is the classic tale of a fighter who came up the hard way, but in 2006, Brewer finally got his chance to shine as a competitor on the second season of the reality series “The Contender,” which aired on ESPN. By the end of that year he scored three victories and defeated former titleholder Steve Forbes to take home the series crown.

Since then, Brewer has put together four more wins, three by knockout and is eager to pin the first loss on Lara’s record.

“There's no denying Lara's talent, but he's not ready for me or this fight,” said Brewer. “I've paid my dues the hard way and now it's time for me to make my move. This ain't the amateurs and I'm going to let Lara know that on January 29.”

The card, which also features featherweight prospects Ronny Rios and lightweight standout Sharif Bogere, is presented by KZ Event Productions and Golden Boy Promotions, in association with Sampson Boxing LLC.

The live Fox Sports Net broadcast will begin at 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT (check local listings).

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