Steve Leuvano v Juan Manuel Lopez

[Jimmy G-Force]

I must admit, Lopez is my kind of fighter, everything I've seen of him so far has impressed me. He is without a shadow of a doubt my favourite fighter of the new era. I really cant wait for this fight, I'm just hoping he makes the transition to Featherweight without too many hiccups.

I see this as a great fight for Lopez, between two very tight, skilled technicians. I remember watching Leuvano slowly but surely dismantle Nicky Cook and I must say I was very impressed. He really looked the part that night, and I couldnt really see that many holes in his game. The Cook fight was the first and last time I saw Leuvano, which is probably a little criminal as I usually keep tabs on the fighters from overseas that I like.

This is obviously a total different fight for Lopez compared to his last outing against the rugged, and often wild but always dangerous Mtagwa. That fight certainly ticked a few more boxes for me with regards Lopez's mentality and ability to alter his approach throughout the fight.

I see this being a cagey affair from the offset, with each fighter taking a little time to feel each other out. Both for me are well schooled, but even at the higher weight, I think Lopez may still have the edge with the power and certainly the speed. I see this being a very competitive 12 rounder.

Like I say, Lopez is a fighter that has me really excited, and I dont say that very often. As far as I'm aware this will be his first fight at the Garden, I really hope he rises to the occasion and shines like the star I believe him to be.

Thoughts anyone ?