- Luis Alberto Lopez defends his IBF World Featherweight title for the third time this weekend as he faces Reiya Abe.
- Both Lopez and Abe are currently riding their respective win streak.
- Lopez is the heavy betting favorite at -700, and Abe is the +500 underdog.
Reigning IBF World Featherweight champion Luis Alberto Lopez will defend his title for the third time this weekend, as he faces Japanese challenger Reiya Abe inside the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, New York.
CHAMPIONSHIP DOUBLEHEADER.
It’s #KholmatovFord fight week 👑👑 pic.twitter.com/oOIxyUitMF
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) February 26, 2024
Due to his championship experience and longer win streak, Lopez will come in as the heavy betting favorite at -700 in boxing odds against Abe, who is tagged as the overwhelming betting underdog at +500.
Luis Alberto Lopez Recent Fight Results
Lopez started his pro career in 2015 and quickly racked up a 12-fight win streak, which saw him capture the Mexican Pacific Coast Super Featherweight title. However, his streak was halted by Abraham Montoya in March 2018, who defeated him by split decision.
After that first career loss, Lopez responded with five consecutive victories to secure the WBO International Featherweight belt. This new streak was snapped by Ruben Villa in May 2019 by beating him unanimously.
.@VenadoLopez1 did everything he said he was going to do in Belfast 😤#KholmatovFord | MAR 2 | @ESPNPlus pic.twitter.com/rpZ4fPGhkU
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) February 27, 2024
Since that second defeat, the Mexican boxing star hasn’t received another loss and won his next 12 fights, including three world title fights that made him the IBF World Featherweight champion. His latest victory was against Joet Gonzalez, who he beat unanimously.
Reiya Abe Recent Fight Results
Abe had a rough start to his pro boxing career by dropping two of his first 10 fights since making his debut in June 2013. He then went undefeated for his next 12 fights, winning 11 and receiving a majority draw result.
Never a question.
Reiya Abe takes the UD win in Tokyo 💪 pic.twitter.com/HGNdjU352s
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) April 8, 2023
In September 2019, Abe once again received another setback at the hands of Ryo Sagawa, who comfortably beat him with a unanimous decision. Following that third loss, the Japanese boxer won all his next six fights to capture the WBO Asia Pacific Featherweight and the Japan Boxing Commission Japanese Featherweight titles.
Luis Alberto Lopez vs. Reiya Abe: Tale of the Tape
| Luis Alberto Lopez | Reiya Abe | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 30 | 30 |
| Height | 5’4” | 5’7” |
| Reach | 66 inches | 67 inches |
| Record | 29-2 | 25-3-1 |
| Stance | Orthodox | Southpaw |
| TKO/KO Percentage | 55% | 40% |
Luis Alberto Lopez vs. Reiya Abe: Fight Analysis
The tale of the tape between Lopez and Abe reveals a slight advantage for the latter because he will have 3 inches of height and an inch of reach advantage against the former. However, Lopez has a higher and better finish rate of 55% compared to Abe’s 40%.
Another difference between the two fighters is their fighting stance as Lopez fights in orthodox, and Abe sports a southpaw stance. This is crucial because they must be cautious of a potential clash of heads when exchanging punches. A clash of heads could lead to a massive cut on their heads, which could potentially alter the match.
Stylistically, both have a different approach, with Lopez being a pressure fighter who marches forward to pressure his opponents and looks to close the distance to make up for his shorter reach against his opponent, while Abe is more of a boxer who fights on the outside and capitalizes on his longer reach and footwork to sneak in punches.
The key for the defending champion is to close the distance and impose his power against Abe immediately. This way, he can easily target his head and body and cut his angles so that he doesn’t have the space to move away from him. Lopez must be careful for any threat of a counter that the challenger could stick in.
On the other hand, Abe’s best bet to win the fight is to maximize his reach advantage and fight on the outside. He can frustrate Lopez with his jabs and prevent him from getting into his rhythm. Additionally, he needs to move around more to neutralize the pressure the defending champion will employ.
Luis Alberto Lopez vs. Reiya Abe: Start Time
March 2, 2024, 5 p.m. PT
March 2, 2024, 7 p.m. CT
March 2, 2024, 8 p.m. ET
Luis Alberto Lopez vs. Reiya Abe: Official Prediction
Official Prediction: Unanimous decision victory for Luis Alberto Lopez.
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