Luis Lopez (proper) towards Gabriel Flores. Picture by Mikey Williams/Prime Rank Inc by way of Getty Photos
Luis Lopez has come a good distance from combating on obscure playing cards. He’s one win away from fulfilling his aim of profitable a world title.
Lopez will problem IBF featherweight titleholder Josh Warrington, Saturday evening, at First Direct Area, in Warrington’s hometown of Leeds, England. The 12-round bout will stream stay on DAZN (1 p.m. ET/ 10 a.m. PT).
At Friday’s weigh-in, Warrington weighed in at 125.3 kilos. Lopez weighed 124.3 kilos.
Lopez (26-2, 15 knockouts) turned the necessary challenger to Warrington’s IBF title on December 3 of final 12 months, dropping Isaac Lowe twice earlier than knocking him out within the seventh spherical. In his most up-to-date bout, on August 20, Lopez stopped Yeison Vargas within the second spherical of a stay-busy struggle.
The 29-year-old Lopez toiled in obscurity, largely combating on small playing cards or membership exhibits in and round his hometown of Mexicali, Mexico. In Might 2019, Lopez confronted prospect Ruben Villa, dropping by unanimous determination in a aggressive struggle.
Because the loss to Villa, Lopez has reeled off 9 wins in a row, together with a break up determination victory over Andy Vences. Lopez additionally notched a major unanimous determination win over junior light-weight prospect Gabriel Flores on September 10 of final 12 months.
Prime Rank matchmaker Brad Goodman, who was lately elected into the Worldwide Boxing Corridor of Fame, believes Lopez has an excellent probability at defeating Warrington.
“All of us notice Luis goes into the lion’s den by combating in Warrington’s hometown,” Goodman informed The Ring on Thursday. “It’s a tricky struggle. Luis understands what a win means. A win turns his life round, together with larger and higher fights. He has to go on the market and take the struggle to Josh. He’s in one of the best form of his life. We all know he can do it.”
Lopez has had two stay-busy fights for the reason that win over Lowe. Goodman, who has an impeccable eye for expertise, has seen Lopez get higher with every struggle.
“We noticed what a succesful fighter Lopez was with the win over Vences. We actually didn’t do a lot with him. We put him towards Flores and the struggle was at 130 kilos. He acquired the win and went again right down to 126 kilos, which is the place he belongs.
“Prime Rank could be very assured Luis may go into England and get a win over Warrington. He has a job to do. He’s centered.”
Warrington (31-1-1, 8 KOs) most lately fought on March 26, stopping Kiko Martinez within the seventh spherical to win the IBF title. The 32-year-old suffered a damaged jaw within the struggle.
The win over Martinez adopted two fights towards Mauricio Lara, who stopped Warrington on February 13 of final 12 months. They fought to a technical draw lower than seven months later.
Warrington is ranked No. 5 by The Ring at 126 kilos.
Francisco A. Salazar has written for The Ring since October 2013 and has lined boxing in Southern California and overseas since 2000. Francisco additionally covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper. He will be reached by electronic mail at [email protected] or on Twitter @FSalazarBoxing.
