Jeff Lacy is eager to re-establish himself as the world's best super-middleweight, starting with his fight against Peter Manfredo.
See Hatton-Mayweather exclusively live on Sky Box Office & HD, Ch755 & 756
Jeff Lacy is eager to re-establish himself as the world's best super-middleweight, starting with his fight against Peter Manfredo.
The Floridian's unbeaten record and his reign as IBF and IBO super-middleweight champion were ended by Joe Calzaghe in March last year.
A serious bicep injury then scuppered the 30-year-old's hopes for a quick return to the top level.
But as the man known as 'Left Hook' prepares to step back into the limelight on the 'Undefeated' undercard, he is adamant he will bounce back.
"I've learned that I'm a very emotional person when it comes down to what people say about you," said Lacy. "I've learned to understand and deal with emotion a little better than I did before.
"When you're on that winning stage it's like everybody's praising you and everybody's doing this and that. But when you taste a little of the bad side of boxing, it really turns your stomach a little bit.
"I've learned mostly about myself. What I do is what I want to do. If I come to the plate, the fans are going to be happy no matter what. And that's the main thing I've learned in the last 24 months."
Expectations
Lacy failed to convince in his points victory over Ukrainian Vitali Tsypko in December, but promoter Oscar De La Hoya is sure the American will impress against another Calzaghe victim, Peter Manfredo.
"Jeff deserves to be on top once again," De La Hoya insisted. "He was derailed by a great champion and we all know that Calzaghe is a tremendous champion.
"With Jeff being so young, still having that hunger and desire to be world champion though, it was a perfect opportunity to make the match. He has all the combinations to make him a fearless fighter."
And 'Contender' star Manfredo, who carries a record of 28 wins, including three by way of knockout, and four defeats, is under no illusions about the calibre of his opponent.
"Jeff Lacy might be the biggest and strongest guy that I've fought but that's what makes it exciting for me," said Manfredo. "I'm excited because I'm getting in there with one of the best.
"It's definitely a must win. I go into every fight as if it's a must win, but definitely with this fight. I've been fighting for my whole life and December 8 is going to be one hell of a fight."
Sign up to
Sky Box Office for all the action live and exclusive on December 8.
