Venado Lopez is on the road again. He’s bringing his IBF featherweight belt as he takes on Angelo Leo this Saturday at the Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His latest challenger gets to make his hometown return. Will this be the latest belt to play hot potato at featherweight, or will Lopez retain it? Either way, we have a title fight in the 505.
"It doesn't matter where we go, ' The Road Warrior' is ready to go to work… we will come back as the world champion" – @VenadoLopez1 🙌 pic.twitter.com/eT49fVhIKm
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) August 8, 2024
EVENT DETAILS
- Date: Saturday, August 10, 2024
- Start Time: 5:50 pm EST
- What Channel: ESPN+. ESPN and ESPN Deportes pick up coverage at 10 pm ET
- Venue: Tingley Coliseum, Albuquerque
What’s the Undercard Looking Like?
- Lindolfo Delgado (20-0, 15 KOs) vs. Bryan Flores (26-0-1, 15 KOs)
- Matthew Griego (14-0, 10 KOs) vs. Gilberto Mendoza (23-18-4, 11 KOs)
- Vito Mielnicki Jr. (18-1, 12 KOs) vs. Laszlo Toth (32-8-2, 20 KOs)
- Arnold Khegai (21-1-1, 13 KO) vs. Belmar Preciado (22-7-1, 15 KOs)
- Alan Garcia (13-0, 10 KO) vs. Maickol Lopez Villagrana (16-5-0, 8 KOs)
- Albert Gonzalez (9-0, 5 KOs) vs. Damian Alcala (8-4,2 KOs)
- Steven Navarro (2-0, 1 KO) vs. Israel Camacho (2-11)
There are some returning names and prospects on this undercard. Vito Mielnicki Jr. is back on a Top Rank card since his pro debut in 2019. Decorated amateur from Inglewood, Steven Navarro, will be in action. Matthew Griego is in a 2022 rematch against familiar foe Gilberto Mendoza as a late replacement. Arnold Khegai looks to make it six straight wins since losing to Stephen Fulton in 2020.
Odds and Prediction
Leo said at the final presser, “This means the world to me. Fighting back in my hometown is something I’ve always wanted. And what better way to do it than with a title shot.” He’s earned it here, and this matchup against Lopez is a terrific contest. The only constant in the featherweight division has been Lopez’s title reign since upsetting Josh Warrington. It’s hard to pick against that, and I won’t—Lopez by decision.
Venado Lopez -450
Angelo Leo +350
Bet Odds courtesy of BetMGM.