© Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing

In a build up to Saturday’s “Homecoming” featuring Ricky “Hitman” Hatton against Juan Lazcano, Frank Maloney hosted a meeting with the press to speak with Lazcano at the Smart ‘Village Hotel’, Ashton Moss, Ashton-Under-Lyne, Manchester.

Having arrived into Manchester over the weekend, the Mexican (residing in California) looked to have ‘settled in’ as he chatted to the media in attendance. Relaxed and smiling, Lazcano came across as a very friendly and likeable guy.

“I have a great relationship with God,” Lazcano said thoughtfully and talked of his delight that this year his birthday fell on Easter. He feels ‘blessed for his opportunities in life’ and said he felt at peace. “I’ve already been a dead-man walking” he admits, “The Lord answered my prayers and now I’m pretty alive! I’m so humbled and so thankful. The best of Juan Lazcano will come out … whoever steps in the ring with me from now on.”

Asking how he felt about stepping out in front of 55,000 on Saturday night - Lazcano laughed, “Now that‘s another question! I do admire Ricky Hatton for his ability to perform and to continue to do this for so many years in front of all those people, under so much pressure… of course this is his home-town and the fans are always there for him and that’s a beautiful thing.”

Ronnie Sheilds spoke of his confidence in Juan, “He is in great shape.” Then spoke of the ‘Hitman’ - “I rate Ricky as one of the top fighters in the world... you can’t deny what he’s done, he’s a really good fighter. But I think the Mayweather fight showed that his lifestyle is catching up with him. We’re very confident our man is going to win.

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