Lopez vs. Leo Preview
The Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, New Mexico will host a dynamic title fight on Saturday, August 10th. IBF featherweight champion Luis Alberto Lopez will defend his title against former WBO junior featherweight champion Angelo Leo.
Lopez (30-2, 17 KO) has won 13 straight fights and won the IBF title in 2022 with a majority decision victory over Josh Warrington. He has defended the title three times and most recently defeated Reiya Abe in March by 8th round TKO.
The champion is ready for a battle with Leo. “We’ve been training hard as we get ready to finish camp. This has been one of my best training camps, and we will finish strong.” Lopez said. “Like all Mexicans, I do my job in the ring, and I like to throw punches. I don’t mind getting hit in order to hit. We work to be able to do all of that in the ring. If we have to move around, we’ll do that. If we have to brawl, we can brawl. If the fight ends early, we can end it early. I do my job. I prepare for that. And I’m happy that people like my work.”
Lopez talked about his opponent and the challenge he brings to the fight. “We know that Angelo Leo is a good fighter who comes forward throwing lots of punches. He doesn’t stop in there. So, I think we’re going to need a lot of stamina, and we’re going to need to throw a lot of punches. We’re going to be smart but also aggressive. It’s going to be a good fight. It will be a good test for both of us. I don’t plan on letting go of my title. It’s going to be a great clash.”
He continued, “Making the fourth defense of my title is a great achievement for me. I never imagined it, but here we are. And we’re looking forward to big challenges because big fights are coming. Perhaps unifications. Maybe Naoya Inoue? Definitely something big.”
Leo has won four straight fights since losing the WBO junior featherweight title by unanimous decision to Stephen Fulton in 2021. He most recently defeated Eduardo Baez by unanimous decision in April. Leo will have the advantage and added pressure of fighting in his hometown of Albuquerque.
“World title fight here in my hometown of Albuquerque,” Leo stated on social media. “I couldn’t ask for more.”
The 30-year-old talked about the importance of this fight. “I want to make history and win another title in another division. Winning, I will be one of three to win multiple titles in different weights,” Leo said.
Leo confidently talked about what type of fight he will have with the champion. “I know he can box a little and then will come forward to try to turn fight into slugfest, we have prepped for him and know what to expect and make the adjustments if needed. “Says Leo. “I also know he hasn’t faced a fighter like me before.”
The main card can be seen on ESPN+ starting at 6:30 p.m. ET
