CAGUAS, PUERTO RICO - Juan Manuel "Juanma" Lopez once again showed his great condition this afternoon on route to his first defense of the World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight title against Filipino Bernabe Concepcion on Saturday, July 10 in the main event of "The Challenge" - put together by Top Rank in association with PR Best Boxing Promotions, and will be transmitted through the U.S. by Showtime from the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Photos by Joel Colo/PRBBP
On a rainy day, Lopez (28-0, 25 KOs) came to the gym José "Cheo" Aponte de Caguas, and showed his strong form to members of the press and bystanders. He began with a strong preparation under coach Alex Caraballo, and also performing various exercises and stretches with his trainer Victor Martinez.
"We're fine. We made the 126-pound mark last night and I'm there right now, between 126 and 128 pounds, eating well and maintaining strength," said Lopez, 27. "I've been able to make weight much easier for this fight (against Conception) than for the other (with Luevano). My condition is excellent."
The Puerto Rican fighter said that Concepcion is a fighter who "throws punches from all angles and a bit disorganized, and for that we are perparing. But I think we have everything necessary to beat him."
Moreover, Jonathan Oquendo (18-2, 11 KOs), who took a 10-round junior featherweight bout against Filipino Eden Sonsona (19-5 and six knockouts) said he was confident in pulling off a win against his opponent.
"We have worked here with Juanma and we feel very good. Physically and mentally I'm well prepared for what to bring to my opponent. I saw him fight and he is a left-handed fighter, fast, and for that we are training," said Oquendo, who is ranked number eight by the WBO at 122-pound.
The match in the co-feature will have Filipino Nonito Donaire (23-1, 15 knockouts) against Mexican Hernan "Tyson" Marquez (25-1 and 18 knockouts) interim super flyweight of the World Boxing Association (WBA).
Meanwhile, McJoe Arroyo (3-0 and one KO) will face an opponent at bantamweight and this will be his first fight at six rounds; Carlos Negron (9-0 and seven KOs) will take a bout at cruiserweight, eight rounds, against Mexican Gustavo Enriquez (15-9, 12 KOs). In addition, the unbeaten José "Chelo" Gonzalez (10-0 and six knockouts) willcome face to face with an opponent to be announced in a six-round clash at lightweight, and heavyweight Victor Bisbal (16-1, 11 KOs ) faces Terrell Nelson (8-10 and five knockouts) in a six round fight.
The card will have a total of seven matches, starting with the first fight at 6:15 pm, while the Showtime telecast will open at 9:00 pm.
Tickets can be purchase at the Box Office of the Colosseum in Puerto Rico or Ticketpop (www.ticketpoppr.com) by calling (787) 294-0001 at a cost of $ 35, $ 50, $ 75, $ 150, $ 200 and $ 400.
