Lopez vs. Gonzalez Preview
The American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas will host a dynamic title fight on Friday September 15. IBF featherweight champion Luis Alberto Lopez will defend his belt against former title title challenger Joet Gonzalez.
Lopez will be making his second title defense after defeating Irish fighter Michael Conlan by 5th round TKO in Belfast this past May. He won the belt with a majority decision win over English fighter Josh Warrington in England last December.
The champion believes he needs a convincing win over Gonzalez. “I’m going for the knockout. It’s a personal challenge that I have. Joet Gonzalez has faced great fighters like Shakur Stevenson, Emanuel Navarrete and Isaac Dogboe, and he has never been knocked out. Knocking out a tough fighter like him is a huge goal for me,” said Lopez.
He went on to say, “I know this fight will be difficult. Joet Gonzalez is a fighter who comes forward throwing a lot of punches. But I like to come forward, too. So, we know it’s going to be a real clash.”
“Representing Mexicans on such an important night is a great motivation. And I can’t wait for the fight. We’re ready. We have a plan ready, and we are going to do our job. We are going to put on a great show on September 15.”
The Mexican champion will have the added pressure of fighting on Mexican Independence Day weekend. However, in his last two fights he has proven he is comfortable with going into enemy territory so it is unlikely the pressure of representing his nation un such an important day will get to Lopez.
Gonzalez won by unanimous decision over Enrique Vivas in his last fight in April. He challenged for the WBO featherweight title in 2021 and in 2019. He believes it is now or never if he wants to become a champion.
"I'm truly grateful for the opportunity," Gonzalez said. "I've worked really hard and every time I step in the ring I want to give it my all."
Gonzalez continued, "Plan and simple, I just have to win. This is my third opportunity and now I'm here again," Gonzalez said. "I'm ready to go and I have to get this fight one. I've worked really hard and come Friday night I'm going to become IBF champion."
While he is challenging for a third featherweight title, his losses to Emanuel Navarrete and Shakur Stevenson are nothing to scoff at. Gonzalez has proven he is one of the most talented fighters in boxing today to never hold a title. With both fighters feeling they have something to prove, fans should be in for a treat Friday night in Corpus Christi.
