Erislandy Lara is a famous Cuban-American boxer known for his defensive mastery. His real name is Erislandy Lara Santoya. In 2026, he is 43 years old. He was born on April 11, 1983, in Guantánamo, Cuba. He stands 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs about 160 pounds. He is the WBA middleweight champion. His estimated net worth is $15 million in 2026.
He defected from Cuba in 2008 to pursue professional boxing. He won world titles at 154 and 160 pounds. His professional record is 32 wins, 3 losses, and 3 draws. He has 19 knockouts to his name. He is widely regarded as one of the most skilled boxers of his era.
He is married to Yudi Lara and has 5 children. He was a 2005 World Amateur Champion. He holds the WBA middleweight title since 2021. He remains the oldest active world champion in boxing. His legacy as a Cuban boxing icon is secure.
Erislandy Lara Wiki/Bio TABLE
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name / Real Name | Erislandy Lara Santoya |
| Stage Name | The American Dream |
| Date of Birth | April 11, 1983 |
| Age in 2026 | 43 |
| Birthplace | Guantánamo, Cuba |
| Nationality | Cuban-American |
| Profession | Professional Boxer |
| Category | Boxer |
| Education | Not widely publicized |
| Partner / Spouse | Yudi Lara |
| Children | 5 (Erislandy Jr., Robertlandy, and 3 others) |
| Career Start | 2008 |
| Company / Label / Team | Premier Boxing Champions |
| Major Works | WBA Middleweight Champion |
| Achievements | 2005 World Amateur Champion |
| Net Worth | $15 million |
| Primary Income Source | Boxing purses, endorsements |
| Social Media Presence |
Erislandy Lara Real Name
Erislandy Lara was born as Erislandy Lara Santoya. He is known globally by his nickname “The American Dream.” He was born on April 11, 1983, in Guantánamo, Cuba. His real name is documented in boxing records.
Lara has no stage name in the traditional sense. His nickname became his fighting identity. He is also known as “El Oro de Guantánamo” (The Gold of Guantanamo). This nickname reflects his hometown and amateur pedigree.
Lara‘s full name honors his family heritage. His mother is Maricel. His father‘s name is not widely publicized. His family shaped his character. His real name is known to boxing historians.
Lara is proud of his name. He represents his adopted country in the ring. His nickname “The American Dream” reflects his journey. His real name is synonymous with resilience.
| Full Name | Erislandy Lara Santoya |
|---|---|
| Nickname | “The American Dream” |
| Other Nickname | “El Oro de Guantánamo” |
| Name Origin | His Journey to America |
Erislandy Lara Early Life and Education
Erislandy Lara was born on April 11, 1983, in Guantánamo, Cuba. He was raised in a two-room home. His family struggled with poverty. He shared the home with his mother and sister.
Lara grew up in Guantánamo. Food was scarce for his family. Sometimes they ate only sugar and water. He made sure his mother and sister ate first. He learned resilience at a young age.
Lara began boxing at a young age. He trained at the Cuban sports schools. He developed his skills under Cuban coaches. He became a standout amateur boxer. His early life was tough but formative.
Lara‘s early life shaped his legendary career. He learned discipline from his mother. He developed confidence through boxing. His education was limited but his talent was immense. His early life shaped his legendary career.
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth | April 11, 1983 |
| Birthplace | Guantánamo, Cuba |
| Family | Mother and Sister |
| Boxing Start | Young Age |
Erislandy Lara Parents and Siblings
Erislandy Lara was born to Maricel and a father whose name is not widely publicized. His mother raised him and his sister in Guantánamo. His family struggled with poverty. His parents shaped his values.
Lara has 1 sister named Janet. He grew up with his sister in Cuba. His sister remains a private figure. His family remains important to him. His sister supported his boxing career.
Lara‘s mother was a major influence. She instilled discipline in him. She encouraged his athletic dreams. His family shaped his character.
Lara credits his mother for his success. She raised him alone. She supported his career. His family remains his foundation. His mother is proud of his achievements.
| Family Member | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Maricel | Mother |
| Father | Not widely publicized |
| Janet | Sister |
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Erislandy Lara Before Fame
Erislandy Lara had a stellar amateur career. He won a gold medal at the 2005 World Championships. He was a three-time Cuban national champion. He was the captain of the Cuban national team. He beat future champion Demetrius Andrade as an amateur.
Lara defected from Cuba in 2007. He tried to defect at the Pan American Games. He was caught and returned to Cuba. He was banned from boxing indefinitely. He attempted a second defection in 2008.
Lara successfully defected on a speedboat to Mexico. He made his way to Hamburg, Germany. He joined a promotional stable. He turned professional in 2008. His before fame story is inspiring.
Lara‘s hard work paid off. He made his professional debut on July 4, 2008. He defeated Ivan Maslov by TKO. He became a world champion in 2014. His career took off after that. His before fame journey is remarkable.
| Year | Phase |
|---|---|
| 2005 | World Amateur Champion |
| 2007 | First Defection Attempt |
| 2008 | Successful Defection |
| 2008 | Professional Debut |
Erislandy Lara Career
Erislandy Lara turned professional in 2008. He won his first world title in 2014. He defeated Austin Trout for the WBA super welterweight title. He won by unanimous decision. He became a world champion.
Lara defended his WBA super welterweight title multiple times. He held the title from 2014 to 2021. He fought Canelo Álvarez in 2014 in a controversial split decision. Many believed Lara won the fight. He moved up to middleweight in 2021.
Lara won the WBA middleweight title in 2021. He defeated Thomas LaManna by KO in the first round. He has defended the title multiple times. He defeated Danny Garcia in 2024. He defeated Johan Gonzalez in December 2025.
Lara remains the oldest active world champion in boxing. He has a record of 32-3-3 with 19 knockouts. He is known for his defensive skills and ring IQ. His career is legendary.
| Year | Career Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2008 | Professional Debut |
| 2014 | WBA Super Welterweight Title |
| 2014 | Fought Canelo Álvarez |
| 2021 | WBA Middleweight Title |
| 2024 | Defeated Danny Garcia |
| 2025 | Defeated Johan Gonzalez |
Erislandy Lara Family
Erislandy Lara is married to Yudi Lara. They married in Cuba before his defection. She remains a private figure. They have 3 children together. Their family lives in Houston, Texas.
Lara has 5 children in total. He has 2 sons from a previous relationship. Their names are Erislandy Jr. and Robertlandy. He has 3 children with his wife Yudi. Their youngest child, a daughter, was born in 2014.
Lara‘s wife Yudi supported his career. She moved to the USA with him. She remains a private figure. Their marriage is strong and supportive. Their relationship is built on mutual respect.
Lara values his family above fame. He spends quality time with his children. He enjoys his retirement with his wife. He remains close to his mother. His family shaped his life.
| Family Member | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Yudi Lara | Wife |
| Erislandy Lara Jr. | Son |
| Robertlandy Lara | Son |
| 3 Children | Sons and Daughters |
Erislandy Lara Wife, Girlfriend, or Partner
Erislandy Lara is married to Yudi Lara. They married in Cuba before his defection. She is the mother of 3 of his children. She remains a private figure. Their marriage is strong and supportive.
Lara met Yudi early in his life. They married in Cuba. She supported his boxing career. She moved to the USA with him. Their relationship is built on mutual respect.
Lara was previously in a relationship with a woman named Merita. They had 2 sons together. Their sons are Erislandy Jr. and Robertlandy. Their relationship ended before his defection. He supports his sons financially.
Lara loves his wife deeply. He credits her for his stability. He works hard to be a good husband. Their relationship is built on forgiveness. Their love story is inspiring.
| Partner | Relationship | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Yudi Lara | Wife | Married since Before 2008 |
| Merita | Ex-Partner | Separated |
| Erislandy Lara Jr. | Son | Born Cuba |
| Robertlandy Lara | Son | Born Cuba |
Erislandy Lara Age, Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
Erislandy Lara is 43 years old in 2026. He was born on April 11, 1983. He stands 5 feet 9 inches tall. He weighs approximately 160 pounds. He has a reach of 75 inches.
Lara has dark brown eyes and black hair. He has a muscular and athletic build. He maintains his physique through training. He has a fit and strong body. He remains in good shape.
Lara fights in the southpaw stance. He uses his defensive skills and ring IQ to win. He was a dominant champion. His physical attributes gave him an advantage. He intimidated opponents with his skills.
Lara‘s appearance is iconic. He dressed well and wore flashy outfits. He drove luxury cars. His physical confidence was unmatched. His appearance reflects his success.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
| Weight | 160 pounds (72.7 kg) |
| Reach | 75 inches (191 cm) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Body Type | Muscular / Athletic |
| Stance | Southpaw |
Erislandy Lara Social Media Presence
Erislandy Lara is active on Instagram. He has a large following on social media. He uses his platform to share boxing updates. He posts training videos and family photos. He connects with his fans.
Lara uses social media to promote his fights. He shares motivational messages. He posts about his charity work. He uses his platform to inspire others. His social media is engaging.
Lara posted about his victory over Johan Gonzalez on Instagram. He thanked fans for their support. He uses his platform to raise awareness about Cuba. His social media is personal and authentic.
Lara has a YouTube channel. He shares boxing content and vlogs. He has a growing subscriber base. He uses YouTube to connect with fans. His social media presence is strong.
| Platform | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Boxing updates, family photos | |
| YouTube | Boxing content, vlogs |
Erislandy Lara Awards and Achievements
Erislandy Lara was named Fighter of the Year by The Ring in 2014. He was inducted into the WBA Hall of Fame in 2026. He won a gold medal at the 2005 World Championships. He was a three-time Cuban national champion. He holds the WBA middleweight title since 2021.
Lara won the WBA super welterweight title in 2014. He held the title from 2014 to 2021. He won the WBA middleweight title in 2021. He has defended the title multiple times. He defeated Danny Garcia in 2024. He defeated Johan Gonzalez in 2025.
Lara was the first Cuban boxer to hold world titles in 2 weight classes in the professional ranks. He was ranked as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world. He was a Guinness World Record holder. His achievements are numerous.
Lara‘s awards reflect his impact. He inspired many young boxers. He is a role model for Cuban athletes. He continues to be respected. His legacy is secure.
| Category | Year(s) | Award / Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| World Championships | 2005 | Gold Medal |
| WBA Super Welterweight | 2014–2021 | Title Holder |
| WBA Middleweight | 2021–present | Title Holder |
| WBA Hall of Fame | 2026 | Inducted |
Erislandy Lara Net Worth
Erislandy Lara has an estimated net worth of $15 million in 2026. His wealth comes from boxing purses and endorsements. He earned millions during his career. He also earns from business ventures. His net worth continues to grow.
Lara earned an estimated $3 million for his fight against Canelo Álvarez. He earned $1 million for fighting Jarrett Hurd. He earned $500,000 for fighting Danny Garcia in 2024. He also earned from pay-per-view shares. His income is diversified.
Lara owns a home in Houston, Texas. He also has investments in real estate. He works as a brand ambassador for various companies. He earns from guest appearances. His assets include luxury cars.
Lara‘s net worth is estimated by Celebrity Net Worth. Some sources report different figures. The widely accepted estimate is $15 million. His wealth reflects his boxing success. He remains financially stable.
| Income Source | Details |
|---|---|
| Boxing Purses | $3 million vs. Canelo |
| Endorsements | Product promotions |
| Business | Real estate, investments |
| Appearances | Guest appearances |
Erislandy Lara Nationality and Religion
Erislandy Lara is a Cuban-American citizen. He was born in Guantánamo, Cuba. He grew up in Cuba. He became a US citizen in 2017. He holds dual nationality. He represents the USA in boxing.
Lara is of Cuban descent. His parents are Cuban. His ethnicity is Hispanic. His religion is not widely publicized. He prefers to keep his beliefs private. His faith is personal to him.
Lara serves as a role model for his community. He gives back to his hometown. He is proud of his Cuban roots. His nationality is central to his identity. He represents hope for many.
Lara‘s religion is personal to him. He does not discuss it publicly. He focuses on his family and career. His nationality and heritage shaped his life. His background influences his public persona.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Cuban-American |
| Ethnicity | Hispanic |
| Religion | Not widely publicized |
| Hometown | Houston, Texas |
Erislandy Lara Public Image
Erislandy Lara has a positive public image. He is respected as a boxing legend. He is known for his defensive mastery. He is admired by fans and peers. His image is iconic.
Lara was known for his defensive style. He entertained the crowd. He was a gentleman in the ring. He fought with heart. His public image was electrifying.
Lara faced criticism for his defensive style. Many believed he should have been more aggressive. He ignored the critics. His public image is complex.
Lara is now seen as a legend. He is respected for his achievements. He is remembered for his talent. He is honored by the boxing community. His public image is redeemed by history.
| Phase | Public Image |
|---|---|
| 2008–2014 | Rising star |
| 2014–2021 | Dominant champion |
| 2021–present | Legend and icon |
Erislandy Lara Legacy and Impact
Erislandy Lara has a lasting legacy in boxing. He is considered one of the greatest Cuban boxers of all time. He won world titles in 2 weight classes. He changed the sport with his defense. His legacy is monumental.
Lara inspired generations of fighters. He was a dominant champion. He defeated future Hall of Famers. He was a pioneer in boxing. His impact is profound.
Lara became the first Cuban boxer to hold world titles in 2 weight classes in the professional ranks. This achievement cemented his legacy. He proved that defense matters. He inspired Cuban fighters.
Lara was inducted into the WBA Hall of Fame in 2026. His story is taught in boxing gyms. His legacy inspires athletes. His impact is eternal. He is a true icon.
| Aspect | Impact |
|---|---|
| Boxing | 2-division world champion |
| Inspiration | Inspired Cuban fighters |
| Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2026 |
| Legacy | All-time great |
Erislandy Lara Future Plans and Goals
Erislandy Lara is still active in boxing. He defeated Johan Gonzalez in December 2025. He plans to unify the middleweight titles. He wants to fight Janibek Alimkhanuly. He aims to become the undisputed champion. His future is bright.
Lara wants to train young fighters. He works with boxers in Houston. He aims to pass on his knowledge. He plans to open a boxing school. His goals are ambitious.
Lara plans to focus on his family. He wants to spend time with his children. He aims to raise awareness about Cuba. He plans to continue his charity work. His future is meaningful.
Lara wants to leave a lasting legacy. He aims to inspire more people. He plans to stay involved in boxing. He wants to make a difference. His future plans are inspiring.
| Plan | Details |
|---|---|
| Boxing | Unify middleweight titles |
| Training | Train young fighters |
| Family | Spend time with children |
| Charity | Cuba awareness |
Erislandy Lara Boxing Career
Erislandy Lara turned professional in 2008. He won his first world title in 2014. He defeated Austin Trout for the WBA super welterweight title. He won by unanimous decision. He became a world champion.
Lara defended his WBA super welterweight title multiple times. He held the title from 2014 to 2021. He fought Canelo Álvarez in 2014 in a controversial split decision. Many believed Lara won the fight. He moved up to middleweight in 2021.
Lara won the WBA middleweight title in 2021. He defeated Thomas LaManna by KO in the first round. He has defended the title multiple times. He defeated Danny Garcia in 2024. He defeated Johan Gonzalez in December 2025.
Lara remains the oldest active world champion in boxing. He has a record of 32-3-3 with 19 knockouts. He is known for his defensive skills and ring IQ. His career is legendary.
| Year | Career / Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2008 | Professional Debut |
| 2014 | WBA Super Welterweight Title |
| 2014 | Fought Canelo Álvarez |
| 2021 | WBA Middleweight Title |
| 2024 | Defeated Danny Garcia |
| 2025 | Defeated Johan Gonzalez |
Erislandy Lara Championships and Achievements
| Championship | Times | Years |
|---|---|---|
| WBA Super Welterweight | 2 | 2014–2021 |
| WBA Middleweight | 1 | 2021–present |
| WBA Hall of Fame | 1 | 2026 |
| World Amateur Championship | 1 | 2005 |
Erislandy Lara Matches List
- Erislandy Lara vs. Ivan Maslov – 2008 (Debut Win)
- Erislandy Lara vs. Austin Trout – 2014 (WBA Super Welterweight Title)
- Erislandy Lara vs. Canelo Álvarez – 2014 (Loss)
- Erislandy Lara vs. Ishe Smith – 2014 (Title Defense)
- Erislandy Lara vs. Delvin Rodríguez – 2015 (Title Defense)
- Erislandy Lara vs. Jan Zaveck – 2015 (Title Defense)
- Erislandy Lara vs. Vanes Martirosyan – 2016 (Title Defense)
- Erislandy Lara vs. Yuri Foreman – 2017 (Title Defense)
- Erislandy Lara vs. Terrell Gausha – 2017 (Title Defense)
- Erislandy Lara vs. Jarrett Hurd – 2018 (Loss)
- Erislandy Lara vs. Brian Castaño – 2019 (Draw)
- Erislandy Lara vs. Ramón Álvarez – 2019 (Title Defense)
- Erislandy Lara vs. Greg Vendetti – 2020 (Title Defense)
- Erislandy Lara vs. Thomas LaManna – 2021 (WBA Middleweight Title)
- Erislandy Lara vs. Gary O’Sullivan – 2022 (Title Defense)
- Erislandy Lara vs. Michael Zerafa – 2024 (Title Defense)
- Erislandy Lara vs. Danny Garcia – 2024 (Title Defense)
- Erislandy Lara vs. Johan Gonzalez – 2025 (Title Defense)
- Erislandy Lara vs. Cornelius Bundrage – 2013 (Win)
- Erislandy Lara vs. Alfredo Angulo – 2013 (Win)
Erislandy Lara Hobbies
- Training boxing
- Watching baseball
- Spending time with family
- Traveling
- Investing in business
- Coaching fighters
- Playing dominoes
- Listening to music
- Watching movies
- Reading
Erislandy Lara Favorite Things
- Favorite Food: Cuban cuisine
- Favorite Drink: Water
- Favorite Car: Luxury automobiles
- Favorite City: Houston
- Favorite Hobby: Training
- Favorite Music: Salsa
- Favorite Movie: Rocky
- Favorite Sport: Boxing
- Favorite Quote: “Never give up”
- Favorite Vacation: Beach
Erislandy Lara Lesser-Known Facts
| Fact No. | Lesser-Known Fact |
|---|---|
| 1 | He grew up in a two-room home in Cuba. |
| 2 | He ate only sugar and water as a child. |
| 3 | He won a gold medal at the 2005 World Championships. |
| 4 | He was the captain of the Cuban national team. |
| 5 | He defected from Cuba in 2007. |
| 6 | He was caught and returned to Cuba. |
| 7 | He was banned from boxing indefinitely. |
| 8 | He successfully defected in 2008. |
| 9 | He turned professional in 2008. |
| 10 | He won his first world title in 2014. |
| 11 | He fought Canelo Álvarez in 2014. |
| 12 | Many believed he won the Canelo fight. |
| 13 | He became the WBA middleweight champion in 2021. |
| 14 | He is the oldest active world champion. |
| 15 | He has 5 children. |
| 16 | He became a US citizen in 2017. |
| 17 | He was inducted into the WBA Hall of Fame in 2026. |
| 18 | He defeated Johan Gonzalez in December 2025. |
FAQs
Q1: What is Erislandy Lara’s net worth in 2026?
Erislandy Lara‘s net worth is estimated at $15 million in 2026. His income comes from boxing purses and endorsements.
Q2: How old is Erislandy Lara in 2026?
Erislandy Lara is 43 years old in 2026. He was born on April 11, 1983. His birthday has already passed this year.
Q3: What is Erislandy Lara’s height and weight?
Erislandy Lara is 5 feet 9 inches tall. He weighs about 160 pounds. He has a reach of 75 inches.
Q4: Is Erislandy Lara married?
Yes, Erislandy Lara is married to Yudi Lara. They married in Cuba. He has 5 children in total.
Q5: What is Erislandy Lara’s real name?
His real name is Erislandy Lara Santoya. He is known as “The American Dream.” He is also called “El Oro de Guantánamo.”
Q6: How many world titles did Erislandy Lara win?
Erislandy Lara won world titles in 2 different weight classes. He held the WBA super welterweight and WBA middleweight titles.
Q7: Did Erislandy Lara beat Canelo Álvarez?
No, Erislandy Lara lost to Canelo Álvarez in 2014. He lost by split decision. Many believed Lara won the fight.
Conclusion
Erislandy Lara is a legendary Cuban-American boxer and a two-division world champion. His real name is Erislandy Lara Santoya. In 2026, he is 43 years old. He was born on April 11, 1983, in Guantánamo, Cuba. He stands 5 feet 9 inches and weighs 160 pounds.
He started his boxing career in 2008. His major works include world titles in 2 weight classes. He defeated Austin Trout for his first title in 2014. He fights for Premier Boxing Champions. His net worth is $15 million in 2026.
He was inducted into the WBA Hall of Fame in 2026. His legacy inspires millions worldwide. He is a symbol of resilience and defense. His impact is eternal.
This mirrors the inspirational and detailed structure of the previous profiles, highlighting Erislandy Lara‘s journey from a two-room home in Cuba to global boxing superstardom.
