Luis Lopez feels ready to step into the lion’s den against Angelo Leo in 126-pound belt defense

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 accomplish that in spectacular vogue.

Lopez, rated No. 1 by The Ring at 126 kilos, will make one other protection of his IBF world featherweight title Saturday evening, as he faces Angelo Leo in Leo’s hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The 12-round bout will headline a High Rank on ESPN telecast (10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT).

In his final combat on March 2, Lopez (30-2, 17 knockouts) stopped Reiya Abe of Japan within the eighth spherical. That combat happened in Verona, New York. In his earlier combat on September 15, Lopez defeated Joet Gonzalez by unanimous determination in Corpus Christi, Texas.

The 30-year-old has fought overseas in different world title defenses, together with in opposition to Michael Conlan in Belfast, Northern Eire. Lopez, who gained the IBF world title in opposition to Josh Warrington in December 2022 in Leeds, England, has had no situation combating away from dwelling, relying on his preparation and leaving nothing to probability.

“I’m used to it,” Lopez instructed 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 the US, as nicely. There’s no sense in feeling uncomfortable combating earlier than any kind of fan. We’re pleased to combat on August 10 to make the fourth protection (of my title).

“It’s the work I do within the health club. The best way I practice, the best way I work, what I do within the health club is vital to my confidence that the place I’m going, I had the most effective preparation attainable. I’ve a terrific crew behind me. I feel that’s why I’ve that mentality going into most of these fights. The nice coaching camps now we have and the help of my total crew, I feel that’s the important thing to my success within the ring.”

Lopez has not misplaced since dropping a detailed determination 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 combat, Lopez has excelled, asserting his standing at 126 kilos.

Luis Lopez (proper) in opposition to Gabriel Flores. Photograph by Mikey Williams/High Rank Inc through Getty Photographs

“We’ve made errors and dedicated errors (in these earlier fights),” stated Lopez, who’s promoted by High Rank. “Clearly, I don’t have the most effective protection, however I feel I’ve nice reflexes and instincts. I’ve quite a lot of velocity. I’ve endurance. And I’ve that confidence of being a champion. Within the health club, we give attention to our qualities and strengths. We practice to organize for the most effective of myself within the ring. We now have that type 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 just lately acquired 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 in opposition to the opposite world titleholders within the division.

“All of the world is aware of I wished a unification combat when Robeisy Ramirez was the (WBO) champion,” stated Lopez. “When Mauricio Lara was the WBA champion, as nicely. 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 combat.

“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. In the end, these fights will happen. We are going to proceed to attempt to combat in a unification combat as quickly as attainable. We are going to see.”

Regardless of the No. 1 ranking by The Ring at 126 kilos, Lopez believes turning into an undisputed champion is the best way to go to be able to be known as the most effective in a division.

Lopez has demonstrated no concern in dealing with 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 keen to grow to be undisputed, giving extra relevance to the game.

“Sincerely, I don’t suppose 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 may be 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 sooner or later he might combat in his hometown of Mexicali, Mexico. Junior flyweight Elwin Soto just lately gained a world title and is from Mexicali.

Essentially the most well-known fighter to come back 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 combat in his hometown of Mexicali could be the icing on the cake.

“It will be a dream come true for me. It will be a terrific combat, 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 nicely. 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 forward to the chance for this to occur. We now have to work with the promoters for that combat 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 could be reached at [email protected]

Observe @FSalazarBoxing