Lopez-Luevano: Juanma Eager For Featherweight Debut
By Mark Vester
In October, Juan Manuel Lopez suffered a big scare in his final defense of the WBO super bantamweight title. He was nearly derailed in the late rounds by underdog Rogers Mtagwa. He struggled to make weight for that fight and knew a change was needed. He made a fast leap to the featherweight division. He takes on WBO champion Steven Luevano on January 23 at the WaMu theater in New York's Madison Square Garden. The fight tops and HBO televised doubleheader.
Juanma wanted to make it very clear that he is taking Luevano very seriously. There has been some talk, even from Luevano's camp, about Juanma overlooking the fight. He continues to tell reporters the rumors are false.
"I am taking Luevano very seriously Luevano. I will fight him like I'm the challenger and I have to be very prepared. I have no doubt that the four extra pounds I have to put on will make a big difference, Juanma told Primera Hora. "He is the champion and I'm not underestimating anything. On the contrary, I know he's a good boxer and I have to prepare for a tough fight."
"Outside of the ring we're friends, but this is a business. We both know, without a doubt, that both of us will give our best to win the fight."
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