It had been nearly three years since former super middleweight champion Jeff Lacy fought when he stepped into the ring Saturday to take on journeyman Martin Verdin in a light heavyweight fight in Baton Rouge, La.
Lacy stopped the 37-year-old Verdin (20-17-2) in the third round, making Lacy a happy man.
“It felt great to be back under the lights and fighting in front of a crowd,” said Lacy, 36, of St. Petersburg, Fla. “There was some rust, but that was to be expected. But I’m 100 percent healthy and I’m happy with my timing and my ability to put punches together in space.”
Lacy (26-4, 18 KOs) said he plans to get back down to super middleweight and campaign there for another chance at a world title.
“Give me one or two more fights at this level, then I’ll be ready for a top 20 guy,” he said.
