Luis Alberto Lopez is to defend his IBF featherweight title against Angelo Leo at Tingley Coliseum in Leo’s hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico, on August 10.
Having also travelled to Leeds and Belfast to dethrone Josh Warrington and then to defend his title against Michael Conlan, August’s fight represents Lopez’s third for a world title as a fighter on the road.
“On August 10, I will make it abundantly clear who the king of the featherweight division is,” said “El Venado”, 30. “This will be the fourth defence of my world title, and I'm preparing for a great battle against a former world champion like Angelo Leo.
“It will be a magical night for all the fans in New Mexico. I know he is the local fighter, but you already know what happens when I enter enemy territory. The ‘Road Warrior’ is back, and I will put all the division's champions on notice.”
Leo, 30, is the former WBO super-bantamweight champion, and he said: “I’m honoured to fight for my second world title, especially in my hometown of Albuquerque. I couldn’t ask for more.
“I know Lopez is one of the top champions in my division, and a win over him would be huge for me and my city. I’m in the prime of my career and can’t wait to show the world the fighter I’ve become since winning my first world title in 2020.”
“Albuquerque is a great fight city, and we are thrilled to be back with an exciting card headlined by a ferocious world champion in ‘Venado’ Lopez against the hometown kid, Angelo Leo,” said Bob Arum, whose organisation Top Rank is promoting the occasion of Lopez’s fourth title defence. Lindolfo Delgado fights Bryan Flores over 10 rounds at welterweight, on the undercard.
“Lindolfo Delgado is one of Mexico’s emerging superstars, and his fight against Bryan Flores has all the makings of a fight of the year contender,” Arum continued. “It’s a real throwback card in a place where so many classic fights have occurred.”
