Lucero Aims to Become the Latest Sampson Diamond

Matthew Brown
3 days ago
3 min read

05/25/2025

When Isaac “La Bestia” Lucero steps through the ropes at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas this Saturday night, he’ll carry more than just the pride of La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico—he’ll carry the expectation of becoming the next breakout name in a long lineage of world-class fighters discovered by boxing’s most revered talent scout, Sampson Lewkowicz.

Lucero (16-0, 12 KOs), a hard-hitting junior middleweight with an aggressive flair and steel determination, makes his long-awaited U.S. television debut on the undercard of the PBC Championship Boxing on Prime Video event, headlined by Caleb Plant vs. Jermall Charlo. His opponent is fellow undefeated Mexican Luis Valenzuela (23-0, 20 KOs), and while the matchup is one of the evening’s most explosive on paper, it’s also a proving ground for Lucero’s future as the latest jewel in the Sampson Boxing crown.

“I’m extremely happy to have this opportunity,” Lucero said ahead of fight week. “It’s a dream come true to be fighting in Las Vegas on this card headlined by Caleb Plant on Prime Video.”

That dream was forged far from the lights of Vegas. Lucero’s journey began in the boxing gyms of La Paz, where he sharpened his ferocity fight after fight, eventually building an undefeated record fighting almost exclusively in Mexico. Aside from his pro debut in California, Lucero has been a well-kept secret in his home country—until now.

His breakout moment came in March when he caught the eye of Sampson Lewkowicz, the Uruguayan-born boxing kingmaker known globally for discovering Manny Pacquiao and guiding the careers of elite champions like David Benavidez, Sergio “Maravilla” Martínez, and Sebastian Fundora.

“Being in this position is a testament to the hard work I put in every day for years and years to reach this level,” Lucero said. “Now I have to go in there and reward all those people who have supported me from the beginning.”

Lucero inked a multi-fight co-promotional deal with Lewkowicz earlier this year, joining an elite fraternity of fighters who turned opportunity into world championships. The list of world champions past and present discovered or represented by Sampson is staggering: David Benavidez, John Riel Casimero, Javier Fortuna, Sebastian and Gabriela Fundora, Celestino Caballero, Sergio Martínez, and Donnie Nietes, among many others.

Lewkowicz’s uncanny eye for greatness—often before a fighter is widely recognized—makes his endorsement priceless in the sport.

On May 31, Isaac Lucero looks to write his own name into that storied history. One fight. One stage. One shot to become the latest Sampson diamond.

More than just belts or fame, it’s about representation and inspiration. “I want people to see me and realize that dreams can come true,” he said. “I come from a small town in Mexico and now I’m fighting under the bright lights.”

That humility is paired with an unshakeable resolve. Facing a dangerous puncher like Valenzuela, Lucero will need every ounce of mental and physical fortitude he’s honed over the years.

“Nerves will always be there before a fight. But I study how to stay even-keeled and focused mentally,” Lucero added. “Combined with the support from my team, and the motivation they give me, there’s nothing I can’t do.”

With Sampson Lewkowicz in his corner, Lucero enters Saturday night not just as a prospect, but as a potential heir to a boxing dynasty built on heart, hunger, loyalty and excellence. If “La Bestia” shines under the Vegas lights, he may very well become the latest diamond unearthed by one of the sport’s most trusted hands.

A Legacy of Champions: Fighters Represented by Sampson Lewkowicz

• David Benavidez (WBC Super Middleweight & Light Heavyweight) – USA

• Sergio Martínez (WBC Jr. Middleweight & WBC/WBO Middleweight) – Argentina

• John Riel Casimero (WBO Bantamweight) – Philippines

• Javier Fortuna (WBA Super Featherweight) – Dominican Republic

• Sebastian Fundora (Unified Junior Middleweight) – USA

• Gabriela Fundora (Undisputed Flyweight) – USA

• Jeison Rosario, Alexandro Santiago, Celestino Caballero, and many more from over a dozen countries around the globe.