By Mark Vester

WBO featherweight champion Steven Luevano (37-1-1, 15 KOs) doesn't plan to go away without a serious fight when he defends his title against undefeated Juan Manuel Lopez on January 23 in New York. The fight will be televised by HBO with Yuriorkis Gamboa defending the WBA's regular featherweight title against Rogers Mtagwa.

Luevano is taking the fight very seriously but he feels Juanma and his team are underestimating him.

"If Juanma Lopez thinks he is going to get the title easily, he will be surprised. I'm not someone who can be mastered easily," Luevano told Primera Hora. "Lopez's people have said that I haven't proven anything yet, but I think they are underestimating me."

He will test Juanma's body out. Luevano has been fighting at the weight for a long time and Juanma is moving up for his 126-pound debut. Luevano has already started training camp.

"I think [the weight] will be a bit of an advantage in the fight. I've been at this weight for twelve years and my body is accustomed to the punches of bigger guys. We'll see how Lopez reacts," said Luevano.

"I'm training. I started the first week of November because Lopez has been a great champion. He is a known and respected fighter and this will give me the exposure that I've been searching for during the last few years."

Send News Tips and Comments To Mark Vester @ boxingvester@gmail.com