| |
|
"Melo" Lopez back in action in Miami July 24th
PhilBoxing.com Wed, 08 Jul 2020

Fast rising bantamweight Melvin "Melo" Lopez (21-1, 12) makes his anticipated ring return July 24th in Miami. It will be his first fight since October of 2019. He will take on Szilveszter Kanalas (14-10, 9 KOs) of Hungary in a scheduled 10 round non title bout.
Lopez will look to get back to the top of the world rankings where he was less than a year ago. He trains in Miami in the same gym as world champion Felix Alvarado, former champion Cristofer Rosado, and Mike Plania, who just scored a huge upset of #1 ranked Joshua Greer. Ironically Lopez fought and won in Plania's native Philppines in 2018. Lopez has long respected the Philippines' most famous resident Manny Pacquiao .
Will you continue to fight at 118 pounds?
Yes. I have no problem making the weight. I am careful not to put on too much weight in between fights.
You’re surrounded by a world class training mates in current IBF champion Felix Alvarado, former WBC champion Cristofer Rosales, rising star Mike Plania. How has the experience been training with them?
Experience is the key word. I gain so much of it by training in that type of environment.
What does it mean to you as you see how successful that have all become in the ring?
It is extremely motivating for me as I see how hard they all work and see their individual successes.
You actually fought in the Philippines in 2018. What was that experience like?
I have followed Manny Pacquiao's career for many years. Even though he was not at the fight it really felt special for me to fight in his homeland. It was a good fight. I was happy to have had the experience and winning the fight as well. Felix Alvarado who I share the same Manager with won his world title in the Philippines as well about a month after my victory.
What do you like to do on your free time?
I like to sketch drawings and listen to music as well.
What goals have you set for yourself as you return to the ring?
I always consult with my manager William Ramirez(WRAM Boxing) first as I value his opinion. When the time is right I definitely want the opportunity to be in the big fights.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
WEIGHTS, RUNNING ORDER AND FINAL WORDS FOR NAVARRETE VS. NUNEZ , Sat, 28 Feb 2026WEIGH-IN RESULTS FOR MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS: PIERCE VS. PARRA , Sat, 28 Feb 2026Former US President Obama will donate Ali gloves to his presidential library By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 28 Feb 2026Almacen Brothers Make Weight, Ready for Battle in Thailand By Carlos Costa, , Fri, 27 Feb 2026Four United States Women's Boxers Shine Bright on Day Four of Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament , Fri, 27 Feb 2026Matthew James Sugatan wins Flash-ADV 160 9-Ball Tournament at Pacman's Cue Club; pockets P30,000 By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 27 Feb 2026Weights From ProBoxTV’s ‘Vazquez vs. Machuca’ at College Park Center in the University of Texas , Fri, 27 Feb 2026Ethan Matthew Gabriel tops Boscolympics 2026 Grade School chess meet , Fri, 27 Feb 2026Boxing Legend & Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr. Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas , Fri, 27 Feb 2026IM Christian Gian Karlo Tade - Arca outwits GM Pa Iniyan in Round 6 of the Manny Pacquiao International Open chess By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026San Francisco Boxing Leaders Bring It Back: FIGHT NIGHT AT ROCCAPULCO , Thu, 26 Feb 2026Alyssa Mendoza, Salim Ellis-Bey and Kelvin Watts Secure Wins on Day Three of 2026 Strandja Boxing Tournament , Thu, 26 Feb 2026Herlan Gomez faces Dekang Wang for WBA Asia Superbamtam Title Today in Kunming, China By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026Queensberry Promotions to sue SELA and TKO? By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026IBA President Umar Kremlev promises prize money for boxers at LA 2028 if the IOC doesn’t change their policy towards athletes’ rewards , Thu, 26 Feb 2026Ruben Castillo, The uncrowned champion passes away By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Return of Ryan Garcia By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026“It’s moments a kid dreams off.” Sam Rennie returns for title challenge March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53 , Wed, 25 Feb 2026‘It’s going to be a great fight and most importantly looking forward to the 10 pints together after it’ Billy Quinncroft challenges for Cruiserweight title March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53 , Wed, 25 Feb 2026Magdalena Contreras Municipality and WBC start "Boxing for Peace" in Mexico By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026United States Captures Four More Wins on Day Two of Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament , Wed, 25 Feb 2026Date set for Manny-Money 2 By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026Knockout Artist Sugar Martinez (17-0, 17 KOs) Makes His US Debut Against Philly Veteran Daiyan Butt , Wed, 25 Feb 2026IM Yap outwits GM Gareyev, shares lead; Maribao split the point with GM Quizon in Round 3 of the Manny Pacquiao International Open chess By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 25 Feb 20262 Division World Champion José Luis Castillo Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas , Wed, 25 Feb 2026 |

|
|
|
|
|