Jonathan Lopez is studying the battle recreation on his method to change into a junior light-weight contender.
Based mostly on who he’s studying from, his boxing IQ might be off the charts.
Lopez will face Leonardo Padilla tonight on the Palms On line casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. The eight spherical bout will happen on the Prime Rank undercard, which can start streaming reside at 6:50 p.m. ET/ 3:50 p.m. PT.
In his final battle on Could 18, Lopez (15-0, 11 knockouts), who resides in Orlando, Florida, knocked out Edgar Ortega within the eighth spherical. In his earlier battle on November 18, Lopez scored a highlight-reel knockout of Jose Santos Gonzalez.
The 21-year-old fought 5 occasions in 2023, and is grateful for the chance to battle for the second time in lower than two months, as exercise permits him to develop his skill-set.
“I’m glad I’m staying lively,” Lopez advised The Ring Thursday evening. “During the last couple of fights, I’ve labored on remaining extra calm within the ring. I discover extra little issues on my opponent, like seeing what punches come from them and me attempting to capitalize on it.
“I turned the WBC Youth champion in Mexico (in December 2021). In order that was a step ahead. I’ve stepped up in opposition in every battle, and that’s one other step ahead. Every battle I look to enhance, in order that’s additionally one other step. I take all these steps in my growth to be a more-complete fighter.”
Lopez has had the fortune of getting Eddy Reynoso in his nook. Reynoso trains Ring Journal tremendous middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez, junior light-weight contender Oscar Valdez and once-beaten heavyweight Frank Sanchez.
Due to his enhancing skill-set and willingness to be taught, together with the self-discipline within the fitness center, Reynoso is assured Lopez can change into a high fighter in boxing.
“This child will likely be a star,” Reynoso advised The Ring Tuesday evening. “I hope he continues to be disciplined. All of it relies on his willingness to be taught and, amongst every little thing, absorbing what’s advised to him. He has a variety of expertise and a variety of potential.
“He will likely be a world champion in two years.”
In April, Lopez traveled to Japan to function a sparring accomplice for Ring Journal junior featherweight titleholder Naoya Inoue.
Whether or not it was sparring within the ring or observing Inoue prepare within the fitness center, Lopez got here away with a better respect for Inoue, together with extra respect for among the best pound-for-pound fighters on the earth.
“I used to be in camp with Inoue for 5 weeks,” mentioned Lopez, who made his professional debut in November 2020. “We sparred one thing like 50 rounds. I realized a lot from him. His data of the game is one thing else.
“Inoue may be very humble and really skilled. He actually lives his life via boxing. Exterior of the ring, he’s a chill particular person. He’s an incredible particular person and really all the way down to earth.”
Lopez faces a troublesome gatekeeper in Padilla (23-5-1, 16 KOs), who’s from Caracas, Venezuela. Padilla fought to a break up choice draw in opposition to Jeremy Hill in his final bout on December 8, and has a win over former fringe contender Andy Vences on June 24 of final yr.
Padilla has suffered defeats by the hands of Roger Gutierrez, Thomas Patrick Ward, and Mirco Cuello, however needs to be a stable check for Lopez, who believes he has to make an announcement on Saturday.
“I do know I’ve to make an announcement in every battle,” mentioned Lopez. “I did in my final battle. I received the knockout within the final spherical, which is troublesome to do.
“Every battle, I’ve the identical mentality. I do know folks take note of performances and doing higher than the earlier battle. That’s my purpose.
“I wish to show myself, do my greatest, and have an incredible profession.”
Francisco A. Salazar has written for The Ring since October 2013 and has coated boxing in Southern California and overseas since 2000. Francisco additionally covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper. He could be reached at [email protected]
Comply with @FSalazarBoxing
