On 29 May Luis “El Mosquito” Lazarte 46-9-1(18) gets an unprecedented sixth world title shot when he faces Carlos Tamara for the IBF Light Flyweight title. At 39 this is almost certainly Lazarte final chance to win a world title, he’ll also get the chance in front of his hometown fans in Mar Del Plata, Argentina. He has won the Argentinean & South American Light Flyweight & Strawweight titles in an eventful career and is currently ranked #7 by the IBF at 108. Lazarte is a down to earth guy who still works a day job as a Road Sweeper and enjoys spending time with his family. Here’s what he had to say ahead of his big chance.
Hello Luis, welcome to 15rounds.com
Anson Wainwright – Firstly could you tell us when you maybe back in action next?
Luis Lazarte – According to my managers it would be on May 29 against Carlos Tamara for the IBF Light Flyweight Title in my hometown (Mar del Plata, Argentina). It would be my 6 World Title shot.
Anson Wainwright – Your debuted way back in 1996 and have had 57 fights since at 39 how much longer do you feel you can carry on fighting?
Luis Lazarte – I know I am not young but I am always in good shape and I love training, so I will keep boxing until I feel I can.
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team, who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you use?
Luis Lazarte – My trainer and manager is Mr. Hector DiPilato but I don’t have a promoter. I train in DiPilato’s gym (Raul Santos Villalba).
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us how life was for you when you were young in Mar Del Plata & how you got into Boxing?
Luis Lazarte – I left my house when I was very young, at the age of 12 so I grew up in the streets. Once I fought a boxer in the street and after that I wanted to learn how to box so I went to a gym and I started practising, I liked it so much that I have never stopped.
Anson Wainwright – Did you have an amateur career, if so what titles did you win and what was your final record?
Luis Lazarte – As an amateur I did around 40 fights and I lost only 5. I was Argentine Champion and I represented my country in several international tournaments.
Anson Wainwright – You have had 5 title shots firstly against Kermin Guardia, Pongsaklek Wongjongkam, Omar Narvaez, Edgar Sosa & Daniel Reyes. What can you tell us about those fights from your point of view?
Luis Lazarte – On 1999, against Kermin Guardia at Minimumweight, I was very nervous because it was my first title shot, moreover it was in my hometown and his style (southpaw) was very difficult for me.
Against Pongsaklek I was taken as a last minute substitute, I had a very long trip and I didn’t know anything about his style.
Against Narvaez, once again I was called at last minute, however I think the referee was unfair disqualifying me.
Against Sosa, I consider it was a nice fight but I started becoming anxious when they read the scorecards during the fight, referee started cautioning me and finally I was disqualified in the 10º round.
Finally against Reyes, I was in very good shape, very confident and I had a good start but then he started boxing very well with his jab and he fought better than me.
Anson Wainwright – Who do you think was the best? How do you think a fight between Pongsaklek & Narvaez would of gone?
Luis Lazarte – I think the best one was Kermin Guardia. And in my opinion, a fight between Narvaez and Pongsaklek would be very interesting as both as great boxers but I can’t give a result.
Anson Wainwright – You have lost 9 times 4 of them were via Disqualification, can you tell us what happened in these fights?
Luis Lazarte – The fights I lost by disqualification were because I used to get nervous very often but now I have learned that lesson.
Anson Wainwright – What do you consider you best fight & win?
Luis Lazarte – I have done many good fights but I consider that my best wins were against Raul Medina (second fight) and Adrian Rodriguez (second fight).
Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do when your not Boxing?
Luis Lazarte – I like to be with my family. In summer we go to the beach in my hometown, then the rest of the year, go to the cinema, shopping center.
Anson Wainwright – Do you have a job apart of Boxing?
Luis Lazarte – Yes, I work as road sweeper in my hometown, I have been working in that position for many years.
Anson Wainwright – Who do you consider as the up and comers of Argentinean Boxing at the moment?
Luis Lazarte – For sure, the best one is Marcos Maidana, current Junior Welterweight World Champion and there also some good prospects like Diego Chaves, Jesus Cuellar & Maxi Marquez.
Thanks for your time and good luck with your upcoming title challenge.
Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com
