30/04/2015
- No sign of any of the big bookies issuing a line on this fight which we have been waiting on for a while. The pick is for the younger man Jorge Lara (27-0-2, 19KO's) to upset the apple cart against an old and weathered Fernando Montiel (54-5-2, 39KO's) who is now 37.
- Montiel is a decorated pro having held world titles at three weights, but he is edging towards 400 rounds as a pro, he is 20 years a pro and he began as a pounder. Montiel looked ripped at the weigh in but you'd have to question his strength at 126 pounds.
- Lara was last out September when he drew with Jesus Rojas. The bout was stopped due to cuts on Lara after 6 rounds. I had lara 4-2 up but the draw was fair. Lara dominated the first few rounds but when he go cut he seemed aggrevated by it and it may have affected his performance. Lara also missed the 122 weight limit and may have been drained. Lara fights out of Guadalajara so we know he is a tough fighter.
- He was also found and managed by Sampson Lewkowicz, the man who brought Pacquiao and Martinez to our attention.
- Montiel was scheduled to fight Abner Mares before he pulled out to fight Jesus Cuellar. How will Montiel feel about having a much bigger payday taken off his plate? Montiel has also admitted that he got no southpaw sparring to prepare for Lara.
- In his last bout Lara looked distraught his chance to get a big win on PBC was ruined by cuts. I expect him to come and go hell for leather to make sure he gets the victory in this one. Can Montiel keep a high ten round pace at his age? I would say no. I think that this is a 50/50, we have to pick Lara here.
- I think its important to note that Lara may well be the A-side in this bout, although not officially. Lara is a PBC fighter and he would appear to have more marketability and more potential money making compared to Montiel. If its a close fight I wouldn't be surprised to see it given to the younger man.