JUST one year on from a possible career-ending defeat, Luis Alberto Lopez could be poised to make a dramatic return to the featherweight throne, having accepted an offer to challenge a fellow Mexican for world honours.
Luis Alberto Lopez, 31-3 (18 KOs), looked to be the man to beat at 126lbs, after a series of impressive wins saw him earn respect for his punch power, approach to fighting and heart.
‘El Venado’ pulled off the upset to dethrone Josh Warrington and claim the IBF featherweight title in late 2022, before making three defences of the belt in a 10-month spell – overcoming each of Michael Conlan, Joet Gonzalez and Reiya Abe.
Then, last August, Angelo Leo stunned the boxing world with a devastating knockout of Lopez that, whilst beautiful in some respects, was uncomfortable and unsavoury in others, with feelings of appreciation of skill overpowered by those of dread and concern.
Upon hearing the news that Lopez suffered a bleed on the brain as a result of Leo’s shot, many fans presumed and hoped that the 32-year-old would walk away from the sport, satisfied with his accomplishments after becoming a respected champion.
However, after just seven months out, Lopez made an astonishing return to the ring and scored a first-round knockout over Eduardo Montoya back in March.
Now, 13 months on from his terrifying loss to Leo, Lopez has taken to X to reveal that he has accepted an offer to challenge the rangy WBO featherweight champion, Rafael Espinoza, 27-0 (23 KOs), in an all-Mexican showdown.
“@fbeltranzanfer wants the fight, @trboxing @trboxeo [Top Rank] already made me a formal offer and I accepted it without a doubt, you’re the only one left CHAMPION
@divino_espinoza to sign, 3-4 we’re already in, come on Divino let’s give Mexico a beautiful war.”
Earlier this month, ESPN’s Salvador Rodriguez reported that Espinoza will headline a card in Mexico in November. It appears as though Lopez is now the front runner to be his opponent for that bill, as the undefeated champion seeks a fourth consecutive knockout victory since claiming the title.
