It's war: Luis Alberto Lopez versus Joet Gonzalez

Luis Alberto Lopez aims to impress during the Mexican Independence Day weekend by defending his title on September 15. 

Hoping to spoil that party will be California’s two-time world title challenger Joet Gonzalez (26-3, 15 KOs).

The card, presented by Top Rank Boxing, will be shown on ESPN from the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Lopez turned pro in 2015 and while tough and tenacious, looked like he might be counted among the rugged gatekeepers for the elite of the sport.

However, in 2019, just 3 fights after his 2nd loss, he went into Las Vegas and upset undefeated Top Rank prospect Andy Vences. That fight raised a few eyebrows.

Then, 2 fights later, in September 2021, he traveled to Tucson, Arizona, and beat (then) undefeated upstart Gabriel Flores, Jr. - another impressive win for him. 

Three more wins over the next year put him in line to travel to England and take on IBF featherweight champion Josh Warrington in his home country. 

In December 2022, Lopez pounded out a 12-round majority decision over Warrington and was now a world champion.

An exciting TKO 5 win over Irish star Dick Condon in May of this year marked his first title defense. Two-stepping his way into Texas, he is set to defend his title after a five-month gap.

While Gonzalez has lost both his previous world title attempts, it must be noted that he was edged by two very diverse and talented styles. He came up short against perhaps the best pure boxer working today in Shakur Stevenson in 2019. He also lost to rugged power puncher Emanuel Navarrete in 2021. In both fights he went to the full 12 rounds with the champion.

Gonzalez will be very motivated heading into this fight as he knows title shots are hard to come by and this is his third time up to the plate. 

In a recent interview, Lopez, as smiling and friendly out of the ring as he is vicious in it, expressed motivation of his own.

“I’m going for the knockout. It’s a personal challenge that I have. Joet Gonzalez has faced great fighters like Shakur Stevenson, Emanuel Navarrete and Isaac Dogboe, and he has never been knocked out. Knocking out a tough fighter like him is a huge goal for me," he said.

So, Luis is looking to crush in Corpus Christi and be the first fighter to stop Gonzalez. Meanwhile, Joet is looking to make the 3rd title try the charm.

Two motivated fighters. One looking to make a statement in exciting KO style. One looking to capture his first world title.

Folks, we have a fight, and it could be a wild one for as long as it lasts.