Teofimo Lopez returns in another step-up fight against veteran contender Diego Magdaleno
This Saturday, on the undercard of Alvarez vs Kovalev rematch, is a very exciting lightweight contest between undefeated prospect Teofimo Lopez and former title challenger Diego Magdaleno. This fight has the potential to be an explosion, as both men love to mix it up in classic phone-booth-fight style.
Teofimo Lopez
Age: 21
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Lopez is one of the top prospects in the lightweight division. He is looking to make a move for a title opportunity sometime this year and facing a former world title contender is the first step towards making that happen.
Keys to victory
Throw the straight right-hand and maintain foot dominance. Use those fast hands and superior footwork, taking half-steps back and following up with counters. Combination punching is very important. The former world challenger has shown that he can be caught by the third and fourth punch. Lastly, go to the body. Take some steam out of the older opponent early.
Flaws
The young challenger has a tendency of telegraphing his punches; throwing the left hook just a bit too wide while admiring his work. Also, he will stay on the center line, squared straight up and providing counter opportunities.
Diego Magdaleno
Age: 32
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
This tough southpaw veteran boxer, who has fought on the championship level, is hoping to play spoiler while getting back into title contention.
Keys to victory
Being the more experienced fighter, Magdaleno will need to use all the tricks. Throw feints before attacking and use the jab to set up the straight left-hand to take control of the fight early. Force the younger opponent to fight off the back foot, while staying in his chest. Make the fighter uncomfortable.
Flaws
When going to the body, he lowers his hands and against the ultra-fast challenger, this will be a mistake. He can also be over-aggressive when attacking, which leads to balance issues. Lastly, he has no head movement, along with poor defense.
Outcome
Lopez wins by knockout. Having the better defense, faster hands, and very good counter-punching ability will be too much for the older challenger.
By: Garrisson Bland
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