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Luis Alberto Lopez: "Knocking Out
Joet Gonzalez Is A Personal Challenge"
IBF featherweight world champion Luis Alberto “El Venado”
Lopez looks to kick off Mexican Independence Day weekend
with an emphatic defense of his title.
Lopez will defend his crown against two-time world title
challenger Joet Gonzalez on Friday, September 15 at American
Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Lopez-Gonzalez, Xander Zayas-Roberto Valenzuela Jr., and the
return of lightweight sensation Emiliano Fernando Vargas
will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at
10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
Lopez (28-2, 16 KOs) overcame numerous challenges in his
quest to become a world champion. After early-career losses
to Abraham Montoya and Ruben Villa, he defeated Andy Vences
via split decision in July 2020 and dominated then-unbeaten
prospect Gabriel Flores Jr. in September 2021. After scoring
three more wins, he earned his shot at the IBF title,
dethroning Josh Warrington in his hometown of Leeds,
England. In his first defense, the 30-year-old once again
traveled to enemy territory and beat Michael Conlan via
fifth-round TKO in Belfast. Gonzalez (26-3, 15 KOs) is a
29-year-old contender who is coming off a 10-round unanimous
decision victory against Jose Enrique Vivas in April.
Following a recent training session, this is what Lopez had
to say:
“I’m always working on being a little smarter and on knowing
how to do everything in the ring because sometimes we are
going to need it. I am always working on improving all
aspects.”
“I'm going for the knockout. It’s a personal challenge that
I have. Joet Gonzalez has faced great fighters like Shakur
Stevenson, Emanuel Navarrete and Isaac Dogboe, and he has
never been knocked out. Knocking out a tough fighter like
him is a huge goal for me.”
“I know this fight will be difficult. Joet Gonzalez is a
fighter who comes forward throwing a lot of punches. But I
like to come forward, too. So, we know it's going to be a
real clash.”
“Representing Mexicans on such an important night is a great
motivation. And I can’t wait for the fight. We’re ready. We
have a plan ready, and we are going to do our job. We are
going to put on a great show on September 15.”
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