Formidable IBF featherweight champion Luis Alberto Lopez has made a habit of beating his opponents in his hometown.
“Venado” Lopez did just that when he beat Josh Warrington to win the world title in Leeds.
He did it in Belfast, beating Michael Conlan and even knocking out Isaac Lowe at York Hall in Bethnal Green.
He plans to do the same thing when he fights Angelo Leo at Tinley Coliseum in Albuquerque, live sky sports action Starting at 2am on Sunday.
“I’m used to being taken to different parts of the world. London, Leeds. It doesn’t matter where I go. ‘Vinardo’ Lopez will always do his job,” Lopez declared.
“I work hard in the gym and do what I have to do. If we can finish it early, we will. No matter what, I will go home as a world champion.”
He added: “Angelo Rio is a former world champion. He wants to be a world champion again. So, we are expecting the best version of him and it will be a war.”
However, Leo promises to be inspired by the challenge. “In my last fight, the main goal was to win. I knew everything else would fall into place against Vinado,” the American said.
“This means the world to me. Fighting in my hometown is something I’ve always wanted. What better way to do that than to compete for a championship.”
Lopez does have something that sets him apart – devastating power for this division, reminiscent of featherweight star Naseem Hamed.
“He punches like I’ve never seen anyone in this division. I mean you go back to Prince Nasim’s power level. He’s really intimidating,” said former two-division world champion and Eurosport boxing expert Carl Frampton said.
“Serious, no-nonsense boxer. Weird style. He doesn’t usually look like the best boxer in the world, but when he hits you, you know it. I’m very confident he will retain his title. “
Lopez burst into the public eye after defeating Josh Warrington, who himself defeated Frampton to retain the IBF belt.
“I don’t know much about him [Lopez] “At that stage,” Frampton said. warrior.
“He’s an animal.”
Watch the Luis Alberto Lopez vs Angelo Leo IBF Featherweight World Championship fight live on Sky Sports Action at 2am.