Juanma's Manager Talks Gamboa Fight, LA Trip, More

By Rey Colon

Juan Manuel Lopez, the undefeated WBO featherweight champion, is heading out to Los Angeles, where he will remain for a week while fulfilling professional commitments, according to his manager Orlando Piñero.

"It's going to be out there seven days to comply with some business commitments and then he returns on Wednesday or Thursday of next week. And next week starts the technical-tactical training in the gym with Jose "Cheo" Aponte in Caguas," he revealed.

Lopez, who for a couple of months has not had dialogue with the press, will visit a few places in Los Angeles at the request of his promoters, Top Rank.

"At this level, he has to be accessible to these kinds of requests," he said.

Piñero said his next defense is still scheduled for April 16 at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in Puerto Rico but the opponent has not yet been selected although about six names have been mentioned.

"There has been about six names discussed for Juan. And maybe seven or eight. There is a perception that Puerto Rico Best Boxing is the manager but they are not, they are the promoters. Orlando Piñero is the manager. The person who we want to fight, I'll announce it right now. They talk about six and perhaps none of them is the one. I would like Yuriorkis Gamboa but HBO said it would have to happen later this year or perhaps at 130-pounds. We will fight him for more pay and there will be no problems. Juanma will fight," Pinero said.

Rey Colon covers the boxing scene in Puerto Rico for Sport Press.