By Rey Colon
Former two division champion Juan Manuel Lopez, who returns on October 1 against Mike Oliver at the Coliseo Ruben Rodriguez in Bayamon, has disclosed that he sought psychological help in an attempt to reorganize his private life and boxing career. In his last outing, in April, Juanma suffered his first loss as a pro when he was stopped by Orlando Salido in eight rounds and in his personal life he was going through a divorce.
"I went to a psychologist and we talked several times and he told me that sometimes even though things are quiet, in the subconscious the problems are still rolling and you can not operate to the fullest. Now I'm calmer. I have better communication with [my wife] Barbara and we are well off," he said.
Lopez, who has to cut 17 pounds for his fight, said the therapy with a psychologist benefited his mood.
"After the fight, I went to about three sessions [with promoter Peter Rivera] and these are things that are needed to sometimes. Not only for boxing but for personal things that were happening in my life. I did not expect to lose much less do it in front of the people of Puerto Rico and that was a little difficult, "he added.
Juanma would like to rematch Salido to reclaim his WBO featherweight title, then move up to 130-pounds and finally to end his career with a fourth title at lightweight.
"I would like to get to 135 pounds. Our plan is to fight [again] in December and if all goes well we hope that by January or February we'll fight [Salido] again," Juanma closed.