GL: What can you tell us about your upcoming eliminator with Vivian Harris for the WBC mandatory position at 140? "You've been hearing right. It's going to be a really good fight and this is the kind of fight that I've been looking for. It's a big fight and it's a great fight for me to start of the year with. I feel really good about this fight.

GL: What do you think of Harris as a fighter?

Juan Lazcano: "He's a former world champion. He's a good fighter, but as we've seen he's has a questionable chin. He's good when he's dishing out but when he gets hit that's when you can tell when a fighter is elite or just a good fighter."

GL: Those who will favor Harris in this fight will likely do so based on the fact that he's been at 140 a lot longer than you have. How do you feel about him being the more experienced junior welterweight?

JL: "Yes he has had more experience at that weight, but he's had to hold that weight for a long time. It happens time and time again when a fighter comes up to dethrone the heavier fighter. It all depends on the individual, it all depends on me and I believe that I will be strong enough to take whatever he has and then some by the time we fight."

GL: You guys have a common opponent in Steve Johnston, who happened to be his last opponent. Did you see the fight?

JL: "I saw it and he looked really sharp and really good. It was a good win for him coming back from that knockout loss to Carlos Maussa. But we shouldn't forget that Steve Johnston hadn't fought a top level opponent since I fought him in 2003. Not taking anything away from his victory,  but I guess that says it all."

GL: Is this fight do or die for you?

JL: "That's pretty much how we're rolling right now. It's do or die. I want to fight the best and I feel I can beat the best. Vivian Harris will be a great fight for the fans, it's a challenge and obviously I'm looking forward to it."

GL: You're going to fight Harris in a WBC eliminator, other than fighting for the WBC 140 pound title what are your goals for 2007?

JL: "We're going to take care of business, get that title shot and then look to make big fights. Hatton and Castillo are fighting their respective opponents and if they win, they're going to fight each other. After those two sets of fights and my next two fights, I would love to get the winner of Hatton-Castilo."

GL: What have you been told regarding the date for the Harris fight?

JL: "I have not been told an exact date. I was told that it would be sometime in March, but no firm date."

GL: Is there anything you'd like to say in closing?

JL: "I want the fans to know that I've been in this game for a while and when you get an opportunity to accomplish your goals it's a wonderful feeling that I plan on making the most of."

M

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