by James Slater: Somewhat quiet so far in the lead up to his big fight with Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton, the returning Juan Lazcano has finally given away some of his inner feelings regarding the May 24th clash. In a televised interview with Sky Sports that was shown in the U.K yesterday, “The Hispanic Causing Panic” let it be known he is both ready and looking forward to a great battle..
Looking in great shape, as footage of him training in Houston under the watchful eye of the experienced Ronnie Shields showed, Lazcano has clearly been doing his work. After his work-out, the man Hatton will be swapping punches with two weeks today told Sky Sports what his feelings were ahead of the big match up.
“It’s gonna be just a wonderful fight,” Lazcano said. “Two gladiators like in the old days. We’re gonna go at it and exchange leather and the best man will prevail. I feel very good and come May 24th it’s gonna be action. You know our styles [will] mesh together to produce a wonderful, quality, action-filled fight – where anything can happen.”
Smiling during most of the short interview, Lazcano looked relaxed and confident. His trainer, Ronnie Shields, looked the same way.
“He’s coming to win this fight,” Shields told Sky Sports. “People are going to be really surprised. You’re gonna hear a lot of “Oh, Oh’s” in the audience and in Ricky’s corner. We all know that Ricky doesn’t live the boxer’s life, Ricky Lives a hard life with all that drinking that he does. We’re gonna make him pay for all of that stuff.”
Indeed, Hatton does like to relax with a few pints of beer when not in training, as surely every fight fan is aware. Could this very next fight be the one where his chosen lifestyle catches up with “The Hitman?” Shields certainly feels it could well be.
Lazcano had the last word, and as the fighter so he should have. With a serious look in his eye this time, the Mexican spoke of how he is relishing his next fight night.
“It’s gonna be a battle,” the 33 year old declared. “a battle of attrition, a battle of wills. It’s gonna be a great, great fight. I’m looking forward to a wonderful battle in Manchester.”
Lazcano used the word wonderful a number of times, let’s hope the bout is indeed as magnificent as he thinks it will be!