Luis Alberto Lopez comes to Belfast as the world champion the city wants to see lose. Nothing out of the ordinary for the IBF featherweight champion, who ripped the title away from Josh Warrington in front of an always excited Leeds crowd at the end of last year.
Tomorrow night Lopez (27-2, 15 KOs) jumps into away territory for a second straight fight, this time coming to Michael Conlan’s hometown to spoil yet another party.
“I like Belfast, the people have been good to me.” Lopez said in an exclusive interview for ProBox TV. “Normally I like to go and see the cities that we fight in. However, in this fight I’m very concentrated on Saturday night. After the weigh-in I will have a bit more of a look around. I hear the atmosphere is very good in Belfast.”
The Mexican world champion more than makes do with fighting on the road. It has served him well, defeating Issac Lowe at York Hall, Gabriel Flores in California and becoming world champion in Leeds. Another day at the office for Lopez in Belfast tomorrow night as the away fighter, armed with a huge smile and confident demeanour.
“Josh Warrington we all know is a dirty fighter.” Lopez said in response to who is better out of Warrington and Conlan. “He was very aggressive and a true warrior when we fought. It was a true war between the UK and Mexico. But Michael has a completely different style to Josh, It might be a completely different type of fight. We will see what Michael has to offer on Saturday night.”
The featherweight division is in full swing this weekend. Across the Irish Sea on the very same night, Leigh Wood and Mauricio Lara go to battle for the second time.
“As a fan I love that Wood and Lara are making the rematch.” Lopez continued. “Actually, that will be a good fight and it will be good to see who wins that. From a fans view I would love to see Lopez Vs Lara. Obviously I want Lara to win because he is Mexican, he is a part of me.
“For myself, you are all going to see a great fight. What I am planning to do is to make a statement in Belfast so the world knows I am a true warrior and a true world champion. I’m very excited to come into Belfast, it is a great opportunity and a great shot. Michael is a great opponent and I can’t wait to get to work.”
