by Osman Rodriguez

Junior middleweight contender Erislandy Lara (15-1-1, 10KOs) is deep in training camp, preparing for his scheduled fight with Ronald Hearns (26-2, 20KOs). The Showtime televised fight takes place on April 20th at the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi. Lara sat down with BoxingScene.com to discuss the fight with Hearns and several other subjects.

BoxingScene.com: How's everything going in camp?

Its going great, I took a little bit of time off when the fight was cancelled on  February 11 and rested my body. I really feel good to be honest. I have very good sparring with the Charlo Brothers and come April 20 I will be in peak from to seek and destroy my opponent.

BoxingScene.com: Do you have a chip on your shoulder after the controversial loss to Paul Williams and struggling for so many months to get a televised date?

God works in mysterious ways and I will become a world champ soon and when I get the chance I guarantee you aint nobody taking it away from me. My body feels very refreshed and I've been in camp training and I'm positive that this will benefit the longevity of my career. There's no doubt in my mind that no one can beat its not cocky just confident in my abilities and I want to fight the best fighters in the world to prove it. I'm a family man, I moved to Houston to concentrate more on my craft. I don't drink, I don't smoke, and I don't party. My life has changed and I will be the best Erislandy Lara for a very long time, I might break Hopkins record and fight till I'm 50 to get rid of all these guys!

BoxingScene.com: What are your plans after Hearns?

My focus is strictly on Hearns right now. But I've said it several times before without a response is I want Sergio Martinez. If Williams would have beat me he would have fought Martinez I beat him there's no reason I shouldn't be fighting Martinez. I respect him as a great champion but I feel it would be a great fight for the fans and its the toughest fight out there, so that's what I want.

Look, Macklin got robbed against Sturm and got a shot at the title, Chirosa beat Helinius got robbed and gets a shot at the title. So I beat Williams get robbed and have nothing to show for it? Its getting out of control with guys who have titles and scared to lose them I want to fight the best guys out there, If they don't fight me now I will beat them later. The cream will rise to the top I'm young, I'm hungry and I'm willing to fight anyone that's the difference.

BoxingScene.com: Promoter Lou DiBella said Sergio Martinez would fight James Kirkland tomorrow. Are you still interested in Martinez?

Hey Lou would you guys fight me tomorrow? I recall him saying in an interview [that] if Lara beats Williams, [then] yes we can do Martinez vs. Lara but he also said he didn't expect me to win. Well, there's no doubt I won the fight but there's also no doubt he hasn't mentioned my name since I destroyed Williams. So this is what it all comes down to....Lou would you put Martinez in the ring with me... pretty please. And when I ask for Martinez its with all the respect in the world because there's no doubt he's the best middleweight in the world and could possibly be the best fighter in the world.

I want to congratulate Sergio on another brilliant performance and would be willing to go through fire for the opportunity. Lou is one of the best promoters in boxing and I know he loves the sport of boxing so give the fans the most competitive fight available because 

Sergio will keep whitewashing the Macklins and Barkers of the world with ease."

BoxingScene.com: Closing thoughts?

First, I wanna give thanks to Jesus christ, all my family, fans and friends. Also, wanna thank Showtime for giving me the opportunity to display my talents, my manager, my promoters and trainers.

Everyone stay updated on BoxingScene, its the best boxing site and I want to thank them for always following my career and everyone tune in on April 20 I will be ready to roll.