Lopez vs Vences
In the co-main event of ESPN’s Zepeda v Castaneda, super featherweight boxer Andy “El Tiburon” Vences (23-2-1, 12 KO’s) suffered a stinging upset loss to Luis Alberto Lopez (22-2, 11 KO’s). The detrimental loss was just two fights removed from his first professional loss to “Prince” Albert Bell (17-0, 5 KO’s) back on June 6, 2019.
THE BREAKDOWN
When the bout began, the acutely aggressive Mexican fighter went right after Lopez. This would make the first round a very lively event. Yet as the second round began, the once-defeated Californian began to show that he had a few more wrinkles in his game than Lopez. By using a thumping jab, consistent straight right and subtle defense, Vences was able to mute much of Lopez’s effectiveness.
As the rounds ticked past, Luis Lopez saw no reduction in heart or effort. Still, it was clear that he did not have a plan B to fall back on. The scene got even gloomier in the fifth round when an accidental head-butt opened a cut over Lopez’s eye. Ironically, this might have been the motivation that he needed.
In the sixth period, the Mexican fighter hurt Vences with a crunching right uppercut that seriously impaired him. To his credit, he never went down. However, the Californian fought as if sleep walking for the remainder of the period. Also, due to the sheer amount of clean, hard and unanswered punches landed, the sixth very easily could have been scored as a 10-8 in Lopez’s favor.
Then, in a display of true grit and determination, Andy Vences rallied back to enjoy a very good seventh round. Although, he would suffer a nasty gash over his left eye. Following the rally-round, the hard-charging Lopez was never able to regain any measure of significant momentum or control.
Despite appearing to take few final-rounds, when the cards were read, it was Lopez walking away with a potentially career-altering victory.
By: Bakari Simpson
