Welterweight contender Josesito Lopez (36-7, 19 KOs) is not intimated by the odds, when he takes on WBA champion Keith Thurman (28-0, 22 KOs), who is coming off a very lengthy layoff.
Thurman has been out of the ring since March of 2017, when he won a twelve round split decision over Danny Garcia to unify the WBC, WBA world titles. He eventually lost the WBC title due to inactivity.
Lopez will faces Thurman on January 26th from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Thurman is coming back from several injuries and carefully selected Lopez as the comeback opponent.
Lopez, trained by veteran coach Robert Garcia, has won three in a row since losing to Andre Berto back in 2015. And in his last fight he dominated previously undefeated Miguel Cruz.
He's very motivated by the opportunity and wants to make Thurman regret his decision.
"Keith Thurman is a world-class, elite fighter and I'm going to make the most of this opportunity. I've been in this position before and I've never shied away from big battles. This is another big one and I'm going to be ready for it and become world champion," Lopez said.
"I'm sure Keith Thurman is as strong and skilled as anyone I've ever faced. He's undefeated for a reason. I give him his respect for that. I'm preparing for him to be the best fighter I've ever faced. We're both experienced fighters who have fought world class competition. I've faced my share of tough heavy punchers. I've pretty much seen it all. Come January 26, we're going into deep water and we'll see how each of us reacts.
"No matter how active Thurman has been, the importance of this opportunity doesn't change. If anything we might see a better and healthier Keith Thurman than we've seen in years. I'm expecting the best Keith Thurman there is. I'm going in against one of the toughest welterweights out there. I don't need anyone to believe in me but myself. I'm going to give it my all to come out with that title."