“Adversity creates champions,” said light heavyweight contender Najee Lopez ahead of his “Wednesday Night Fights” clash against undefeated Steven Sumpter in an eight-round bout Wednesday at the ProBox TV Events Center in Plant City, Florida.
Lopez (10-0, 8 KOs), 24, was tested in his most recent fight, leaving his February bout with Marcos Escudero sporting a shiner and a majority decision victory. Although it was the first time Lopez had faced such a challenge as a pro, he noted that all his fights are tough due to grueling training camps – even if he makes them appear easy.
“I promise you will never see a performance like that again,” Lopez said. “My last fight just showed me there are levels, and I know what I could have done better. My last opponent was tough and tricky. I learned a lot from that experience.”
Now preparing to face the 30-year-old Sumpter (9-0-1, 7 KOs), Lopez aims to showcase his boxing intelligence, having studied old Mike Tyson fights. He acknowledged Sumpter’s record, adding, “He’s undefeated for a reason.”
Lopez, considered one of the best light heavyweight prospects in the United States, is looking to live up to the high expectations and is eager to fix the mistakes he has identified from his February bout.
Sumpter last fought in March, taking a majority draw over Antonio Louis Hernandez. Previously, he defeated unbeaten James Perkins at the same venue in August 2023. Lopez, who had been on a three-fight knockout streak before the decision over Escudero, is keen to get back to stopping opponents.
“I am ready to put on a show,” Lopez said.
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