Promoted by Sampson Lewkowicz, backed by PBC and coached by Bob Santos, Lucero (18-0, 14 KOs) has the team behind him, and most importantly, the skills to soon stamp his status in a deep division.Lucero’s next opportunity to prove his potential arrives Saturday when he faces Ismael Flores (17-1-1, 12 KOs) in a 10-round fight as part of a pay-per-view event headlined by David Benavidez and Gilberto Ramirez at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.“Isaac Lucero is coming to make a statement at 154 pounds, and everyone needs to start looking out for him now,” Lewkowicz told The Ring. “He’s the next guy. It’s brewing. He should be entering the top 10 rankings soon and can be a champion over the next year.”Lewkowicz lauding Lucero certainly carries weight, especially when you consider that the shrewd veteran executive has been credited with discovering Manny Pacquiao and Sergio Martinez while building Benavidez as well as siblings Sebastian and Gabriela Fundora as their promoter.
“Lucero has a fun, entertaining Mexican fighting style. He has the talent,” said Lewkowicz. “People call him Canelito for his looks, but he’s making his own name as Puro Mexico. He fights like a real Mexican, and people love his fan-friendly style. He will succeed.”
After building his career in Mexico, Lucero’s last two fights took place in the United States on the undercard of PBC events, knocking out Omar Valenzuela in two rounds in May and stopping Roberto Valenzuela Jr. inside eight rounds in December.
Lewkowicz and company believe they have a future star on their hands, so they are building him accordingly and amplifying his audience across cards his countrymen will be inclined to watch.
“To fight in Las Vegas on Cinco de Mayo Weekend, on a card that celebrates Mexican fighters, is both an honor and a responsibility,” Lucero said during a recent training camp dispatch.
“This is a moment that carries me on to the global stage, it represents pride, history and identity. To perform on this stage is something I do not take lightly. I intend to represent my country with dignity, with heart, and with a performance that reflects the tradition of Mexican boxing.”
Lucero said he and Santos have been focusing on elevating details around discipline, championship mentality and ring intelligence.
“I feel more complete as a fighter, and I’m ready for this challenge. There is a quiet confidence that comes from preparation at the highest level,” said Lucero. “A victory in this fight would be significant, not only for my career but for the people who have supported me from the beginning.
“This moment is about opening doors for myself, for my team, and for young fighters who are watching and believing that they can follow a similar path. Success is never individual – it belongs to everyone who has invested their faith in you. I want to give them something to be proud of.”
Lucero-Flores is part of the pay-per-view card on Amazon’s Prime Video, DAZN and numerous cable and satellite providers in the United States ($79.99). It is included for subscribers to DAZN’s Ultimate plan ($44.99 per month).
Manouk Akopyan is The Ring’s lead writer. Follow him on X and Instagram: @ManoukAkopyan.
