‘If We Have to Brawl, We Can Brawl’: Luis Alberto Lopez on Angelo Leo and His Future Plans

Luis Alberto Lopez (30-2, 17 KOs) will defend his IBF featherweight world title against Angelo Leo (24-1, 11 KOs) on August 10 at Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The entire card will be promoted by Top Rank in association with Legacy Boxing Promotions on ESPN. Ahead of his IBF defence, Lopez has spoken about his opponent – and the confidence he’s feeling for the upcoming fight against Leo.

Luis Alberto Lopez The Road Warrior Prepares for Fourth Defence

Venado Lopez Feeling Confident

Venado Lopez will be making the fourth defence of his IBF strap on August 10. He first won the title, when he impressively defeated Josh Warrington in Leeds, before travelling to a hostile Northern Ireland to dispatch Michael Conlan via fifth-round stoppage.

The Mexicali native continued his good form, with a dominating, unanimous decision win over Joet Gonzalez, with scores 118-110, 117-111 and 116-112. Last time out, the dangerous Mexican beat Reiya Abe by eighth-round TKO. His opponent has won his last four contests after losing to Stephen Fulton in 2021.

Following a recent training session, Lopez spoke about his training camp and revealed he’s ready for the upcoming bout: “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.” He continued: “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 Talks Angelo Leo and Naoya Inoue

Speaking about his opponent on August 10, Venado said: “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 added: “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.”