By Ryan Burton
Former two-division champion Juan Manuel "JuanMa" Lopez (32-2, 29KOs) paid a recent visited to BoxingScene.com's official audio show The Boxing Lab to discuss his future plans. On February 9th Lopez made a victorious return to the ring after nearly a year long suspension for making derogatory comments towards referee Roberto Ramirez, immediately following his knockout loss to Orlando Salido. Lopez said the suspension nearly drove him away from the sport for good.
"It was depressing. I even contemplated retiring. My mom and my kids kept my spirits high even though I was frustrated with the sport," JuanMa revealed.
Lopez's co-promoter Peter Rivera of PR Best Boxing said that he would like to get his fighter on the undercard of the April 13th unification fight between Nonito Donaire and Guillermo Rigondeaux. Lopez said that he thinks Donaire will win that fight and that he would like to face the winner of that fight in the near future.
"It is a tough fight for both guys. Rigondeaux is a great fighter with good skills, very technical," Lopez explained while leaning towards Donaire to walk out with a victory. "I feel this is Nonito's time and that he will win a dominating decision. I would be willing to fight him at 128 punds (afterwards). If Rigondeaux wins I would like to fight him but it would be more difficult to make," he continued.
You can listen to the interview in its entirety by clicking here: http://tobtr.com/s/4267101
Send questions or comments to ringsidewriter@gmail.com Follow Ryan on Twitter @ringsidewriter and tune in to The Boxing Lab, BoxingScene's official audio on Tuesdays. The show is hosted by Ernie Gabion, Luis Sandoval and Ryan Burton
