Isaac Lucero eager to ascend on David Benavidez, Gilberto Ramirez card

Isaac Lucero never dreamed of being a professional boxer. He picked up the sport as a teenager to be more active and appease his parents’ concern over his weight. On May 2, Lucero will proudly represent his parents and all of Baja California Sur, Mexico, on the biggest stage in boxing at T-Mobile Arena. 

Lucero (18-0) will fight Alan Sandoval (30-0-1) as part of an all-Mexican Cinco de Mayo card headlined by David Benavidez and Gilberto Ramirez. 

“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. “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. Puro Mexico!”

Isaac Lucero expects a difficult test

A win for Lucero, 27, is not expected to come easy. His opponent Alan Sandoval, 31, is also unbeaten. Sandoval won his previous five bouts by early knockouts. 

“Sandoval comes from a part of Mexico (Zacatecas) that I’m very familiar with, so I know he’s coming to fight,” Lucero said. “He’s a true warrior who carries himself with confidence. This is going to be an all-out war!”

In preparation for the fight, Lucero trained with storied trainer Bob Santos in Las Vegas. Santos, a San Jose, Calif., native has trained a number of accomplished fighters in his career. He was named Trainer of the Year by Ring Magazine and Sports Illustrated in 2022. 

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“My time in Las Vegas with coach Bob Santos has been very productive,” Lucero said. “Bob is a teacher of the sport in the truest sense. He refines not only your technique, but your understanding of what it takes to be a champion. 

“This camp has been about elevating every detail. We’ve focused on 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.”

Hoping to content for a title

Lucero is widely regarded as a top fighter in the super welterweight division. A win in Las Vegas will bring Lucero one step closer to title contention. But Lucero says this is bigger than boxing. It’s about his people and the next generation.

“A victory in this fight would be significant, not only for my career but for the people who have supported me from the beginning,” he says. “I come from Baja California Sur, Mexico, and I carry that with me into every fight. 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.”