REWIND 12 months, Luis Alberto Lopez, 30-3 (17 KOs), was considered a dominant featherweight world champion, a must-see front-footed talent and a traditionally Mexican-minded fighter. However, a shock defeat in the summer rocked the reputation of Lopez and, more importantly, caused his brain to bleed, leaving many to believe that he could walk away from the sport for good.
Yet, the man they call โEl Venadoโ has decided that eight months is enough time to recover from the brutal defeat, with a comeback announced to take place just two weeksโ time.
Lopez defeated Gabriel Flores Jr. and Isaac Lowe on his way to his world title shot. The Mexican still travelled to Leeds as a sizeable underdog when he collided with reigning IBF featherweight champion Josh Warrington in late 2022.
Nevertheless, a strong and typically unorthodox display saw the away fighter spoil the Warrington show, claiming a surprise majority-decision win on foreign soil.
Just five months later, Lopez hit the road again and met Mick Conlan in Belfast, with plenty believing that the style of the former amateur world champion would be a nightmare for the unconventional world champion. Once again, Lopez proved his worth, dramatically halting the Irishman after five thrilling rounds.
Since stopping Conlan, Lopez went on to make two additional defences of the IBF strap, defeating both Joet Gonzalez and Reiya Abe in appearances across the pond. A third stateside outing within 12 months against Angelo Leo looked set to be another regulation victory on paper.
However, as boxing has proved time and time again, the cocktail of unpredictability mixed with jeopardy is what makes this sport so addictive.
Seen beforehand as somewhat of a non-puncher, former WBO super-bantamweight champion Leo was able to crack the supposed granite chin of Lopez with a beautiful left hook in round 10. Registering a Knockout of the Year contender, Leo ended Lopezโs reign.
During the aftermath of the glorious punch, those same fans left in awe were reminded of the devastating reality of the sport when it was revealed that Lopez had suffered a brain bleed. That news was expected to end Lopezโs career.
Still, just eight months on, it has been revealed that Lopez will fight again as he gears up to top a bill in Mexico against Eduardo Montoya, 21-7-1 (14 KOs), who has shared the ring but lost to names such as Jovanni Straffon, Mark Magsayo and Miguel Marriaga.
Montoya has fought just once since 2020 and thrice since 2016 and should pose little threat if Lopez is anywhere near the fighter he was before the damning defeat to Leo. Fans will indeed be watching through their fingers regardless, come March 29, hoping that Lopezโs return has not been rushed.
