Erislandy Lara is a mild betting underdog for his July 12 fight with Canelo Alvarez on Showtime pay-per-view, currently listed at +140 by Bovada, and the Cuban says he's putting in extra work in camp to pull the upset at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, when he faces one of boxing's biggest stars.
"My sparring partners are pushing me with numerous styles and I'm adapting to all of them comfortably," Lara said. "I told them to come extra hard to prepare me for the pressure Canelo is going to bring. I feel great and my timing is right on."
Lara (19-1-2, 12 KO) believes he's the better fighter, but isn't discounting the fact that Alvarez (43-1-1, 31 KO) will undoubtedly be putting in his own hard work in training for the fight.
"I know Canelo is training hard for this fight, as am I, but unfortunately for him, there is nothing he can do to surprise me. He's going to find out on July 12 that I'm the superior fighter. His insecurities as a fighter will surface on fight night -- that I can guarantee."
Lara last fought on December 7 of last year, routing Austin Trout in an impressive performance on Showtime. Canelo returned from his loss to Floyd Mayweather by destroying Alfredo Angulo on March 8 this year.