By Osman Rodriguez

Junior middleweight contender Erislandy Lara (15-1-1, 10KOs) is prepared for his televised showcase against Ronald Hearns (26-2, 20KOs). The Showtime televised fight takes place later tonight at the Coast Nightclub at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Miss. Lara sat down with BoxingScene.com to discuss the fight with Hearns.

BoxingScene.com: Erislandy, How do you feel?

I feel great. I've put in hard work here in Houston and I'm ready to get in the ring. This is the best physical condition I've ever been in my life and I'm looking forward to getting in there with Hearns.

BoxingScene.com: This is the second fight in a row that you are fighting a fighter who is taller than 6' feet. Any new adjustments?

Not really. I'm the type of fighter who adapts to any kind of style. Right handed, left handed, tall or short they all get it the same way. So Hearns needs to worry about making adjustments cause I'm here to make a statement. Nothing against Hearns but I'm the Punisher now and he's got to get punished.

BoxingScene.com: Who would you like to fight next if all goes as planned?

I leave that up to my manager and my promoter Golden Boy. Mr. Schaefer has put me in a spot to shine and that's what I'm gonna do. He knows how to get the fighters to the big one and I'm licking my fingers to get a hold of anyone of these champions from 147 to 160. So I'll make it easy on my team give me anybody I'll be ready that I can guarantee you. First, I'm gonna take care of Hearns who's a pebble on my road and then look at the options. 

BoxingScene.com: I know your not close to the situation but you've heard about Yuri Gamboa pulling out of his fight against Rios. Do you have any thoughts on what's been going on?

Not really. I don't know what's going on and why Gamboa didn't take the fight. I don't speak to him. I'm worried about my career and about my family. The only thing I can say on that is for a million dollars I'd fight Sergio Martinez and Paul Williams in one night! I fight to feed my family and to one day be able to get all my kids a good education.

BoxingScene.com: Closing Thoughts?

I wanna Thank Golden boy and Mr. Schaefer for putting me in a good position to show my abilities. Also, I want thank all my fans, friends and family for all the support and I will keep up the hard work to make them proud. This is my year and in 2012 I will be world champ.