Undefeated IBF super middleweight champion Jeff "Left Hook'' Lacy hits the mitts during a workout Tuesday at Caesars Tahoe. In Saturday's excellent main event on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on west coast), Lacy defends his 168-pound title against hard-hitting IBF No. 5 contender Scott Pemberton. IBF bantamweight titleholder Rafael Marquez risks his crown against IBF No. 1 contender Silence Mabuza in the co-feature on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.
Lacy Quotes: "This is my fourth fight this year. I am ready to go. People ask how I can stay fresh and the answer is easy: I live right. I do not smoke or drink. I get the proper rest during training camp.
"But mostly it is all about me loving the sport. I put 100 percent into it.
"I fight often because that is what I am used to doing. If you fight only once or twice a year, it can affect your performance, and I want to be at the top of my game all the time.
"I still feel there is room to improve. In this sport, you can't put a cap on improving, or trying to improve. Even the top guys, they are all trying to improve because there is always room to improve.
"I am looking forward to a very good fight against Pemberton. He is a dangerous puncher who you know is coming to win. That's what I want.
"I love to fight and being in the ring. I love the weight on your shoulders of being in with another guy, just me against him, and only one guy winning.''
