By Jhonny Gonzalez
WBO featherweight champion Juan Manuel Lopez arrived in Puerto Rico on Sunday night to a hero's welcome. Dozens of fans and reporters were waiting for Juanma to arrive at the Luis Munoz Marin airport. Last Saturday in Las Vegas, Juanma stopped Rafael Marquez within eight rounds. It was Juanma's biggest career victory.
Also making the news in the last few days, was Friday's scuffle between Celestino Caballero and Juanma's team members. Words were exchanged between the fighters at Friday's weigh-in and things quickly became physical. Juanma was asked about the incident and whether he will consider fighting Caballero in March. Juanma has no interest until Caballero proves that he is capable of generating money.
"Who is Caballero? I'm not against fighting him, but he does not generate money. This is a business and right now I generate the most in this division. If he wants to fight me, he has to get to my level and then we'll talk," Juanma said.
Juanm will consider a rematch with Marquez, or a possible fight with WBA champion Chirs John of Indonesia. Even a fight with Juan Manuel Marquez was mentioned but there is very little chance of that taking place since Juanma would like the fight at either 126 or 130-pounds.
“Chris John is the one we care about because he's a champion and the other big name at the weight. That's what we want, the big names," said Juanma. "Marquez is also a possibility. They requested a rematch and we can have one, but it must be in Puerto Rico, in my backyard, because I fought him in his."
