By Rey Colon
Contrary to recent reports, former two division world champion Juan Manuel Lopez (31-2, 28 KO's) does not expect to return to the ring in November. The Puerto Rican star is still serving a suspension handed down by the Puerto Rican Boxing Commission. Juanma was suspended for the post fight comments that followed his TKO loss to Orlando Salido in their March rematch. During that interview, Juanma blamed his loss on the referee and made allegations that the referee was a gambler. Juanma later apologized for the comments.
He is staying in shape and keeping his weight low. All of his medical tests have come back negative, with none of them showing any damage from the March loss. The president of the WBO, Francisco Valcarcel, would like to speak with the local commission to allow Juanma to return in November. The suspension expires in March 2013.
"That's something I've heard about but honestly [promoter] Peter [Rivera] and [manager] Orlando [Piñeiro] have not told me anything because I'm suspended until March and that's the truth. Paco [Valcarcel] said that [about the early return] and hope the commission will listen. Otherwise, I'll wait until March .. I've started to run and do a few things because I don't want not wait until January for that. But if I'm given the opportunity in November, I will be [in excellent condition]. But I have my mind set on March. I am not in no hurry," Juanma said.
