Luis Alberto ‘Venado’ Lopez will put his IBF featherweight world title on the road in opposition to Angelo Leo on Saturday August 10, dwell on Sky Sports activities, at Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Lopez (30-2, 17 KOs), from Mexicali, Mexico, is rising as one in every of his nation’s most adorned champions. The 30-year-old powerhouse captured the IBF featherweight crown by dethroning Josh Warrington within the Brit’s hometown of Leeds in December 2022.
In his first defence, he travelled once more to cease Belfast’s Michael Conlan by way of a fifth-round TKO in Might 2023, returning to the USA that September to beat division mainstay Joet Gonzalez by unanimous resolution.
In his final outing, Lopez knocked out obligatory challenger Reiya Abe within the eighth spherical, handing the Japanese contender his first stoppage defeat.
“On August 10, I’ll make it abundantly clear who the king of the featherweight division is. This would be the fourth protection of my world title, and I am making ready for an amazing battle in opposition to a former world champion like Angelo Leo,” Lopez mentioned.
“It will likely be a magical evening for all of the followers in New Mexico. I do know he’s the native fighter, however you already know what occurs once I enter enemy territory. The ‘Street Warrior’ is again, and I’ll put all of the division’s champions on discover.”
Leo (24-1, 11 KOs) has already made historical past as one in every of six New Mexicans to win a world title. When Leo defeated Tramaine Williams for the vacant WBO junior featherweight strap in 2020, he joined Bob Foster, Johnny Tapia, Danny Romero, Holly Holm, and Austin Trout as “Land of Enchantment” boxers to achieve the skilled mountain high.
He misplaced the title 5 months later to Stephen Fulton and spent greater than two years out of the ring following a 2021 victory over Aaron Alameda. Leo moved as much as featherweight and gained three fights, together with a convincing resolution over former world title challenger Eduardo Baez in April.
“I am honoured to struggle for my second world title, particularly in my hometown of Albuquerque. I could not ask for extra,” Leo mentioned.
“I do know Lopez is among the high champions in my division, and a win over him could be enormous for me and my metropolis. I am within the prime of my profession and may’t wait to point out the world the fighter I’ve change into since profitable my first world title in 2020.”
Linfoldo Delgado and Bryan Flores can even collide on the evening in an all-Mexican 10-round junior welterweight co-feature.
“Albuquerque is a good struggle metropolis, and we’re thrilled to be again with an thrilling card headlined by a ferocious world champion in Venado Lopez in opposition to the hometown child, Angelo Leo,” mentioned High Rank chairman Bob Arum.
“Lindolfo Delgado is one in every of Mexico’s rising superstars, and his struggle in opposition to Bryan Flores has all of the makings of a Battle of The 12 months contender. It is an actual throwback card in a spot the place so many traditional fights have occurred.”