Luis Alberto ‘Venado’ Lopez will put his IBF featherweight world title on the line against Angelo Leo on Saturday, August 10, live on Sky Sports, at Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Lopez (30-2, 17 KO), a native of Mexicali, Mexico, is becoming one of his country’s most decorated champions. The 30-year-old powerhouse won the IBF featherweight crown by dethroning Josh Warrington in the Briton’s hometown of Leeds in December 2022.
In his first defense, he traveled again to stop Belfast’s Michael Conlan via fifth-round TKO in May 2023, returning to the United States in September to beat division stalwart Joet Gonzalez by unanimous decision.
In her last outing, Lopez knocked out her mandatory challenger Reiya Abe in the eighth round, handing the Japanese contender her first defeat by stoppage.
“On August 10, I will clearly say who is the king of the featherweight category. It will be the fourth defense of my world title and I am preparing for a big battle against a former world champion like Angelo Leo,” says López.
“It’s going to be a magical night for all the New Mexico fans. I know he’s the hometown fighter, but you already know what happens when I enter enemy territory. The ‘Road Warrior’ is back and I will put all the champions on notice.”
American Leo will fight for the title in his hometown of Albuquerque
Leo (24-1, 11 KO) has already made history as one of six New Mexicans to win a world title. When Leo beat Tramaine Williams for the vacant WBO junior featherweight strap in 2020, he joined Bob Foster, Johnny Tapia, Danny Romero, Holly Holm and Austin Trout as “Land of Enchantment” boxers to reach the top of the mountain professional.
He lost the title five months later to Stephen Fulton and spent more than two years out of the ring following a 2021 victory over Aaron Alameda. Leo moved up to featherweight and won three fights, including a convincing decision over former world title challenger Eduardo Baez in April.
“I’m honored to fight for my second world title, especially in my hometown of Albuquerque. I couldn’t ask for more,” Leo said.
“I know Lopez is one of the best champions in my division, and a win against him would be huge for me and my city. I’m in my prime and can’t wait to show the world the fighter that I am. I have become since I won my first world title in 2020.”
Linfoldo Delgado and Bryan Flores will also collide that evening in an all-Mexican 10-round junior welterweight co-feature.
“Albuquerque is a great fighting city, and we are thrilled to be back with an exciting card featuring a fierce world champion in Venado Lopez against hometown kid Angelo Leo,” the president said. from Top Rank, Bob Arum.
“Lindolfo Delgado is one of Mexico’s emerging superstars, and his fight against Bryan Flores has all the makings to become a Fight of the Year contender. It’s a true throwback in a place where so many classic fights took place.”
