Interview With Jeff "Left-Hook" Lacy

Photo: Tom Casino

By Ed Ludwig

08.07 - I recently had the pleasure of speaking with rising Super Middleweight star and former amateur standout Jeff Lacy. He is preparing to square off against Richard “The Alien” Grant on July 15th. The main event bout will be held at the Playboy Mansion in Hollywood, California and televised on ESPN2 Tuesday Night Fights. Lacy holds an impressive undefeated record with 14 wins and 12 knockouts. I would like to thank Jeff Lacy for taking the time to speak with Eastside Boxing.

Ed Ludwig: In your last fight with Anwar Oshana, did it go as expected and were you happy with your performance?

Jeff Lacy: It was a good fight and I stuck with my game plan so I was very happy with the end result.

EL: You have been very active thus far. Are you looking to maintain the same level of activity?

JL: I want to stay busy and gain the necessary experience. Coming from the amateur ranks to the professional ranks you have to gain much experience as you can in very little time. I am staying busy and I like it.

EL: How has training been in preparation for Richard Grant?

JL: Training has been great. I have great sparring and everything is coming together. I feel great and I am ready to go.

EL: What has been your toughest fight to date?

JL: All of them have been the same to a certain extent. I am learning each time out and I can take something out of each fight and use it the next time out.

EL: You have 12 knockouts in 14 fights. Is it hard to gain the necessary experience of going toe to toe in the later rounds when you stop your opponents early?

JL: It is a double-edged sword. It helps because the fans like to see a knockout and on the flipside like you said I cant get the experience because I’m not going into the later rounds. I feel like I am getting it even if my fights don’t go long.

EL: What did you think of the fight between Joe Calzaghe and Byron Mitchell?

JL: I thought Calzaghe took care of business. I thought he slugged a little too much with Mitchell. I didn’t think he would do that. He looked impressive beating him but I saw something that I could have capitalized on if I was in that position.

EL: I want to ask a hypothetical question. If you could challenge any of the current Super Middleweight Champions whom would it be and why?

JL: Right now I would take anyone. If someone called me right after I got off the phone with you I would take on any champion that is willing. I’ll continue to work hard and hope for my opportunity.

EL: You are one of the better-built boxers in the game today. Did being in good shape come naturally to you or was it something you had to work hard for and develop?

JL: It developed when I was young. I was always a gym rat and there was always a reason for me to do it. Standing in the ring across from my opponent and seeing that they might not be built like me is somewhat of a psychological advantage and a challenge.

EL: What led you to the sport of Boxing?

JL: When I first started it was because I was being punished. My dad got a call one day from my teacher and he was told that I was fighting again. He then took me to a local gym and put me into the ring with someone who was already training and he kicked my butt. After that I fell in love with it. I hated to lose so I stuck with it.

EL: Can you tell me about a typical day in the life of Jeff Lacy away from the ring?

JL: I’m pretty much of a homebody. I like doing home activities like watching television, playing games and cards. I don’t really go out into the nightlife. When I am in training camp I need time to myself and being home relaxes me.

EL: Vernon Forrest will have his rematch with Ricardo Mayorga this weekend. Zab Judah will challenge DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley. How do you see the fights playing out?

JL: I think Vernon will win because in the first fight he underestimated Mayorga a little bit too much. He should have boxed more and I think it will be a smarter Vernon this fight. Corley and Judah is a toss up and should be a great fight. I like Zab and I haven’t seen much of “Chop Chop” so for me to pick a winner is up in the air.

EL: I have asked a few people this question. Eddie Mustafa Muhammad has put together a union for boxers and I was wondering if you have looked into it and what you think of the idea?

JL: I have not researched it but I think it’s protecting the fighters. We are the only sport that does not have that to protect someone and we need something like that.

EL: You are still in the early stages of your pro career? Do you see yourself moving up in weight at anytime?

JL: I want to get a title or titles at Super Middleweight and perhaps move down to 160 and challenge the champions there and eventually move up to Light Heavyweight. That is my goal.

EL: If you could have your one dream fight today whom would you challenge?

JL: There is no one in particular. I want the fame and the glory. The guys who will make me shine are the ones I want to fight.

EL: You are very well spoken. Have you thought about a career in broadcasting down the road?

JL: It’s funny you say that. Whenever I’m on the radio or ESPN or something people say the same thing. I have never really thought about it until people started asking.

EL: James “The Harlem Hammer” Butler is going to be reinstated on October 1st following his disgusting sucker punch of Richard Grant. Do you think Butler has learned from his big mistake?

JL: When I saw that fight I called Gary Shaw and asked if we could get James Butler in the ring. I think that was low what he did. Grant was coming to congratulate him and Butler has to punch him with the gloves off. He couldn’t knock him out with the gloves on. I was really mad and wanted to fight him so bad. That question you asked earlier it just came up. I would love to fight Butler. I would punish him and I wouldn’t knock him out early. What also made me mad was the fact that this happened just after the 9/11 tragedy in New York.

EL: Any comments for your fans?

JL: It’s going to be a great fight and a learning experience. Richard Grant is a good fighter. I hope the fans enjoy it and thanks for the continued support.

EL: Thank you for taking the time to speak with Eastside Boxing and continued success.

JL: Thank you, Ed.