Luis Alberto Lopez celebrates profitable the IBF featherweight title. Picture by Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Luis Lopez is the definition of ‘Highway Warrior.’
Not solely does Lopez not have an issue combating in his opponent’s hometowns, however he continues to win and achieve this in spectacular trend.
In his final struggle on March 2, Lopez (30-2, 17 knockouts) stopped Reiya Abe of Japan within the eighth spherical. That struggle came about in Verona, New York. In his earlier struggle on September 15, Lopez defeated Joet Gonzalez by unanimous resolution in Corpus Christi, Texas.
The 30-year-old has fought overseas in different world title defenses, together with towards Michael Conlan in Belfast, Northern Eire. Lopez, who gained the IBF world title towards Josh Warrington in December 2022 in Leeds, England, has had no situation combating away from residence, relying on his preparation and leaving nothing to probability.
“I’m used to it,” Lopez informed The Ring in a latest interview. “It’s one thing that we’ve been doing for a while. To face somebody from the ‘A’ facet. I’ve gone to London, England, to (Northern) Eire, right here in america, as properly. There’s no sense in feeling uncomfortable combating earlier than any kind of fan. We’re joyful to struggle on August 10 to make the fourth protection (of my title).
“It’s the work I do within the fitness center. The way in which I practice, the way in which I work, what I do within the fitness center is essential to my confidence that the place I am going, I had the most effective preparation doable. I’ve a terrific workforce behind me. I feel that’s why I’ve that mentality going into a lot of these fights. The nice coaching camps now we have and the help of my total workforce, I feel that’s the important thing to my success within the ring.”
Lopez has not misplaced since dropping a detailed resolution to contender and former world title challenger Ruben Villa in Could 2019. Lopez has since racked up 13 consecutive victories.
Regardless of the setback within the Villa struggle, Lopez has excelled, asserting his standing at 126 kilos.
Luis Lopez (proper) towards Gabriel Flores. Picture by Mikey Williams/Prime Rank Inc by way of Getty Pictures
“We’ve made errors and dedicated errors (in these earlier fights),” mentioned Lopez, who’s promoted by Prime Rank. “Clearly, I don’t have the most effective protection, however I feel I’ve nice reflexes and instincts. I’ve a whole lot of velocity. I’ve endurance. And I’ve that confidence of being a champion. Within the fitness center, we deal with our qualities and strengths. We practice to arrange for the most effective of myself within the ring. Now we have that fashion that works.”
Lopez has been vocal with the media and on his social media platforms about unifying the world title belts at 126 kilos. He not too long ago bought right into a back-and-forth with former WBO world featherweight titleholder Robeisy Ramirez.
Regardless of what’s interpreted to Lopez as posturing by different world titleholders, Lopez will proceed to demand unification fights towards the opposite world titleholders within the division.
“All of the world is aware of I needed a unification struggle when Robeisy Ramirez was the (WBO) champion,” mentioned Lopez. “When Mauricio Lara was the WBA champion, as properly. At the moment, I requested for these unification fights. I used to be and am prepared for these huge fights. It’s now my fourth protection of my title, however I ought to have already got fought in a unification struggle.
“Every champion has their very own motive, their very own promoter, their very own supervisor. However we are going to proceed to work, and proceed to do good issues. Ultimately, these fights will happen. We’ll proceed to attempt to struggle in a unification struggle as quickly as doable. We’ll see.”
Regardless of the No. 1 score by The Ring at 126 kilos, Lopez believes turning into an undisputed champion is the way in which to go as a way to be known as the most effective in a division.
Lopez has demonstrated no concern in going through the highest fighters within the division, contemplating the place he has fought overseas and going into hostile territories in his opponent’s hometowns. He believes extra fighters ought to be prepared to turn out to be undisputed, giving extra relevance to the game.
“Sincerely, I don’t assume I’m the No. 1 fighter within the division till I’m unified or an undisputed champion. Every fighter has their very own qualities and strengths. Their virtues. Any champion can beat one other champion if they’re ready to the max. Till there’s an undisputed champion, every fighter will simply be a beltholder. That’s it. Nothing will occur in division till these huge fights are made.
Lopez does maintain out hope in the future he might struggle in his hometown of Mexicali, Mexico. Junior flyweight Elwin Soto not too long ago gained a world title and is from Mexicali.
Probably the most well-known fighter to return out of Mexicali is former world champion Jorge ‘Maromero’ Paez, who fought many instances in his hometown.
Lopez has excelled within the sport, proudly owning a world title belt, however a world title struggle in his hometown of Mexicali can be the icing on the cake.
“It could be a dream come true for me. It could be a terrific struggle, similar to years in the past on the Plaza de Toros Calafia, the place Jorge ‘Maromero’ Paez fought many instances. Julio Cesar Chavez fought there as properly. I might be delighted. I’ve to proceed profitable fights, so that there’s a possibility that I might have a world title protection in Mexicali. That and look ahead to the chance for this to occur. Now we have to work with the promoters for that struggle to occur.”
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 will be reached at [email protected]
Observe @FSalazarBoxing
