JUAN MANUEL LOPEZ
updated July 06, 2009
In his prime at the age of 25, Juan is a four-year pro. The WBO jr. featherweight world champion—natural lefthanded—he won the title in June, 2008, and has made three successful title defenses. He has won all of his world championship fights by knockout.
Juan is one of boxing's rising young stars, and one of the most complete in terms of overall ability, as well. He has an impressive combination of size, skills, strength, speed, power and poise in the ring, with an extensive amateur background that began at the age of 10 and progressed to the highest levels. He is also focused and dedicated in training, and has a down-to-earth personality.
He is coming off a sensational TKO win against WBO bantamweight world champion Gerry Penalosa in his last fight on April 25.
Juan won the WBO title with a first-round TKO against defending champion Daniel Ponce De Leon in June, 2008.
Juan was named "2008 Fighter of the Year" by the Puerto Rican boxing commission. At their awards banquet in March, 2009, he said, "There are many great champions in Puerto Rico, and to have them choose me is a great honor. I did not think that I would find this kind of success so quickly, although my team thought I would. But this would not be possible if wasn't for my great team. I thank them and because of them and my work —we have arrived to this position."
Juanma has won all of his world championship fights by knockout.
Juan said through an interpreter, "I'm naturally lefthanded. I'm an aggressive fighter, I go forward. I think I have a good defense and other skills. I couldn't really tell you where the power comes from. My mom and dad are big people, they always looked very strong to me. Maybe it's just something I have inside of me.
"People talk about me as being the next great boxer from Puerto Rico. A lot of people compare my style to Wilfredo Gomez, and they say my power is something that they rarely see at this weight. I just think it's because I'm so disciplined.
"I think I have some similarities with Gomez, but I have other things, too. I think my style is not like any other boxer's. My favorite fighters are Felix Trinidad and Roy Jones."
Regarding his nickname, he said, "Everybody just calls me 'Juanma.' It's short for Juan Manuel."
Before he made his debut in January, 2005, Juan was an amateur standout in Puerto Rico—a five-time national champion and 2004 Olympian.
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