Juan Manuel Lopez, now 33, is set to square off against Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. (24-6-1) on October 8. The fight, which will take place at a catch-weight of 129-pounds, will be in Puerto Rico and is sure to generate Island fervor.
Lopez (34-5) is badly damaged goods having suffered several nasty knockout losses, the most recent against Jesus Cuellar
At one time, Lopez was considered a future superstar, but then in the last round of a FOTY candidate against Rogers Mtagwa in 2009, his vulnerabilities were exposed. The action in round 9 clearly exposed Juanma for the first time in his career as woefully lacking in defense and also as possessing a less than granite chin. At the very end of the 11th, the Tanzanian almost put Lopez away with a crunching flurry. In the 12th and final round, the aroused Tiger came on and had a bleeding, gasping, and struggling Lopez in deep trouble after taking one crunching shot after another. It was a miracle and a testament to his courage that Juanma, who had no offense or defense, remained on his feet. The beating he received in the last round was severe and would have career-altering implications.
As the seconds ticked away, Rogers literally ran after Lopez but time ran out. Lopez won the decision, but had the fight lasted another 20 seconds, the win would have belonged to his opponent. The scorecards read as follows: Carlos Ortiz Jr. 116-111, Steve Weisfeld 115-111, and Kevin Morgan, 114-113. Here it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cuh8sluREz4
His career then went downhill fast after two beatdown losses to Orlando Siri Salido
As for Vazquez, he followed in his world champion father?s shoes and engaged in great fights with the likes of Jorge Arce and Nonito Donaire, but after the Donaire defeat, he too went on a downhill ride but without the damage that Lopez sustained.
This is a dangerous fight for Juanma. He should reconsider.
