By Mark Vester
Undefeated WBO super bantamweight champion Juan Manuel Lopez (22-0, 20KOs) will make the first defense of his title against Olivier Lontchi of Canada at Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot on October 4 in San Juan, Puerto Rico in the headliner of a card called "The First Step."
Lontchi, also undefeated with a 16-0-1, 6KOs record, must first get by his Friday night opponent at Casino Rama in Canada, Eduardo Garcia (18-5, 7KOs). Lontchi is heavy favorite to win. Not much is known about Lontchi. His record indicates that he is not a puncher. His last few bouts went the distance. The most significant win on his record is against veteran Cruz Carbajal.
Lopez's handlers tried to get Jhonny González, Bernabé Conception and Sod Looknongyangtoy, but were unable to reach a deal with any of them.
"I dreamt that the first defense of my title would happen in Puerto Rico, that I could fight in front of my people and it will happen on October 4," Lopez told El Nuevo Dia. "To return to Puerto Rico as the world champion and to defend the title in my house - I am very pleased with that."
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