Lara made his pro debut February 7, 2003 as the main event of the evening, against a very game and more experienced Puerto Rican fighter, Rafael "Lobito" Sierra. The event drew an unprecedented huge live crowd of 12,123 fans, and it was the talk of the Motor City for weeks.
In the third round of the match - before the chants of 'Lara, Lara, Lara' - Lara smashed his gloves together, signaling the beginning of the end, then embarked on a ferocious crusade that would signal the end for the game Sierra. Lara stalked Sierra, following up his jabs with wicked combinations, knocking Sierra to the canvas numerous times with blistering combinations, before finally landing a perfect left hook that rendered Sierra unconscious as the referee counted over the fallen fighter, officially ending the bout at 2:09 of the 3rd round.
The crowd enjoyed every minute of their 'Lara experience'; he seems to feed off the crowd and obviously is a genuine crowd favorite. Octavio fought again in June, stopping Randy Dobbs in 2 assaults. Lara then traveled to Cleveland, Ohio in September to meet Mike Hamon, scoring a first round stoppage in his first pro fight outside of Detroit, Michigan.
At 18 years-old, Octavio Lara has been called the future of boxing by many boxing experts. Emanuel Steward expects Lara to become one of boxing's superstars, and this promotional move can only help him accomplish that goal.
Kronk Vice-President Richard Slone has high hopes for the youngster as well. "The chemistry between him and Emanuel is special - there is a bond that is untouchable and with both being extremely talented we look forward to what the future holds. Octavio is exciting, powerful, dedicated and truly a pleasure to work with - everyone that meets him always comments on his star appeal, he has that kind of charisma."
Lara will be present at a Golden Boy Promotions press conference this week in Los Angeles and will fight on their November 22 "Fiesta De La Hoya" pay-per-view card at the Olympic Auditorium in the same city.
Golden Boy Promotions has inked a multi-fight promotional deal with highly regarded unbeaten super featherweight prospect Octavio Lara. Lara is of Mexican heritage but born in Los Angeles; he is managed and trained by Hall of Famer Emanuel Steward, who has been grooming the teenager for stardom for over a decade.
10-14-2003
