Luis Alberto Lopez will defend his IBF featherweight title vs. Joet Gonzalez on September 15 in Corpus Christi, Texas. Lopez is ESPN’s top boxer at 126 pounds. Now he will headline a “Top Rank on ESPN” show for the first time in the U.S. Last December, the 29-year-old Mexican won the title with a majority-decision boxing odds victory over Josh Warrington. Subsequently, he retained the belt with a brutal fifth-round TKO of Michael Conlan in May. Both bouts took place in the United Kingdom.
Luis Alberto Lopez vs. Joet Gonzalez 2023 IBF World Featherweight Title
| Date and Time: | Friday, September 15, 2023 |
|---|---|
| Location: | American Bank Center, Corpus Christi, TX |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN and ESPN+ |
Lopez vs. Gonzalez Boxing SBG Odds:
| Boxer | Odds |
|---|---|
| Luis Alberto Lopez | -900 |
| Joet Gonzalez | +500 |
Luis Alberto Lopez vs. Joet Gonzalez SBG Odds Overview
Luis Alberto Lopez (28-2, 16 KOs) has won 11 fights since a 2019 decision defeat to Ruben Villa. Correlate that Lopez will meet another aggressive fighter in Gonzalez, 29, who fights out of Los Angeles. Two of Gonzalez’s three defeats came via decision in title challenges. Specifically against Emanuel Navarrete and Shakur Stevenson. Also, Gonzalez (26-3, 15 KOs) dropped an online betting decision to Isaac Dogboe last year.
Naturally, as the defending IBF featherweight champion that has not lost a fight in over four years, Luis Alberto Lopez is a big favorite with gamblers. Lopez is a previous WBO International featherweight champion. As a result, that resume gives him immense credibility on the board with the masses. Adding to his big price as chalk is that Lopez is coming off a successful first title defense of his belt. Lopez defeated Michael Conlan. Nothing moves the needle for most gamblers like recent success and championships.
By contrast, Joet Gonzalez does not impress the betting public. Especially with a spotty recent record of three losses in his last six bouts. Bargain hunters will point to his previous regional championships. The problem was that Gonzalez was not successful in defending his titles.
Luis Alberto Lopez vs. Joet Gonzalez SBG Fight Analysis
Overall, Gonzalez (26-3, 15 KOs) debuted in the pro ranks in 2012. And he was 23-0 before facing Shakur Stevenson for the vacant WBO featherweight title in 2019. Gonzalez dominated veteran Miguel Marriaga in his September 2020 return. However, he lost his second attempt at the WBO strap in a 2021 Fight of the Year contender against Emanuel Navarrete.
Next, Gonzalez stopped Jeo Santisima via ninth-round TKO in March 2022. , Subsequently, he dropped a split decision to Isaac Dogboe in July. The 29-year-old will have his third opportunity at a world title. Following a win over Enrique Vivas via a 10-round unanimous decision in April.
Consider that Luis Alberto Lopez (28-2, 16 KOs) overcame numerous challenges to become a world champion. Initially, he suffered losses to Abraham Montoya and Ruben Villa. But Lopez rebounded and defeated Andy Vences via a split decision in July 2020. He dominated then-unbeaten junior lightweight prospect Gabriel Flores Jr. over ten rounds in September 2021.
Subsequently, Lopez moved down to featherweight and stopped another undefeated foe, Isaac Lowe, in seven rounds at London’s York Hall. After two stay-busy wins, he earned his shot at the IBF title. Accordingly, Lopez dethroned Josh Warrington in his hometown of Leeds, England. In his first defense, the 29-year-old again traveled to enemy territory and beat Michael Conlan via fifth-round TKO.
Luis Alberto Lopez vs. Joet Gonzalez SBG Free Pick
It is true that Luis Alberto Lopez is an expensive choice with the Boxing odds. But he is the best choice in this bout.
Luis Alberto Lopez vs. Joet Gonzalez SBG Best Bet: Luis Alberto Lopez