Welterweight Louie Lopez (11-1-1, 4 KOs), of Corona, CA, will face Elias “Ingles” Diaz (11-0, 6 KOs), of National City, CA, in an 8-round bout, on Thompson Boxing’s “Path To Glory” event this Saturday, August 20, 2022. Lopez vs. Diaz will serve as the co-main event to Ruben “Ace” Torres (18-0, 15 KOs) vs. Cristian Baez (18-1, 17 KOs), a 10-round lightweight main event bout. Lopez is eager to keep his winning steak alive.
Here is what Lopez had to say about his matchup with Diaz, his recent training camp, fighting at home, and more.
On his recent training camp:
“Camp has been tough but motivating, as I’m excited to be fighting in front of all my fans in my hometown of Corona, California. When I’m tired from training, I get extra motivation to go the extra mile as my fans keep me going. I have been waiting for this moment, to fight at home, and that is what has inspired me for this camp. The sparring I had for this fight was the best I’ve had in years.”
On his matchup with Diaz:
“Diaz is undefeated, who got a big win last year against another unbeaten fighter. He’s kept his unbeaten record in place and that’s what makes me excited, I want to be the first fighter to give him a loss. He’s coming with the mindset to upset me in front of all my hometown fans, but he’s going to find out real quick, that I’m on another level then anyone he’s ever fought. My relentlessness and desire will be the keys to me winning this fight.”
On what a win will do for his career:
“Quite simply put, a victory makes up for the loss early in my career. It shows I’ve evolved and became a better fighter. I know that I am an elite fighter and beating an undefeated prospect will only make my stock rise. I am coming into this fight to earn the respect that I feel was taken from me earlier in my career.”
On being showcased as the co-main event in his hometown:
“I love being able to fight at home in Southern California, especially Corona, California, where I was born and raised. I am very proud to represent where I’m from. Being featured so high on this card essentially gives me a great platform to entertain my fans and put on a show. I am looking forward to the energy of the crowd and the excitement that Corona, California will bring on fight night. This is going to be a fight you won’t want to miss as it will be action-packed, proving I’m ready to be in the conversation for some form of a title in the next year. I respect my opponent outside of the ring, but not in the ring. I want the boxing fans and those who love the sport to see me as a great fighter on this night.”