By Robert Morales/Staff Columnist for Press-Telegram
Josesito Lopez of Riverside may not be the happiest guy in the world after he fights Victor Ortiz on June 23 at Staples Center, but he was walking around with a puffed-up chest Wednesday outside of the arena.
That’s because Lopez this week signed to take on Ortiz, who next month was supposed to square off with Andre Berto in a rematch of their terrific fight won by Ortiz in April 2011. But Berto recently tested positive for steroids, and Golden Boy Promotions had to look for a replacement.
Ortiz, a former welterweight champion from Ventura, will be favored to defeat Lopez in the welterweight main event (on Showtime).
But Lopez (29-4, 17 KOs) is a formidable opponent. His aggressive style coupled with that of Ortiz gives the bout the makings of an all-out thriller while it lasts.
Lopez is excited to suddenly be getting ready for the biggest fight of his career.
“It’s an opportunity of a lifetime,” he said. “I was already preparing for a tough fight and I’ve just gotta continue the tough training I’ve been doing, and go in there and give the fight of my life.”
Lopez had been training to fight former junior welterweight champion Kendall Holt on June 22 at an outdoor stadium at Soboba Casino in San Jacinto. But according to Lopez and several news reports, Holt pulled out because he didn’t like the idea of fighting outside in the heat.
“I guess he thought my corner would have AC (air conditioning) or something,” Lopez mused. “So he backed out of the fight. Blessing in disguise.”
Lopez began his career as a junior lightweight in 2003, moved up to lightweight and has been toiling at junior welterweight the past four years. He is not concerned he will be moving up to welterweight for Ortiz.
“I think the training that I’ve put in so far, I’m in great shape,” said Lopez, who has fought at as high as 144 1/2 pounds, just 2 1/2 under the welterweight limit. “The weight, I think it will be somewhat of an advantage to me. I can carry the weight well, so coming in at 147, it’s going to feel great for me. As opposed to him, it might not feel so great.
“He’s bigger, but I think I hit just as strong as Victor Ortiz.”
Lopez, 27, said he realizes a win over Ortiz would greatly enhance his career. He plans on getting it.
“Yeah, definitely,” he said. “I’m going in there not only knowing that I’m going to be in a tough fight but I’m going in there to win. I’m going to go in there with everything I’ve got, and for the people who have seen me fight before, they know what I bring to the table.
“I’m going to give it my all, and June 23 I’m going to come out with my hand raised.”
Lopez lost his last fight to undefeated junior welterweight contender Jessie Vargas via split decision on the Ortiz-Floyd Mayweather Jr. undercard last September in Las Vegas.
Some on press row thought Lopez won.
That’s why Lopez’s co-promoter, Ken Thompson, is thrilled to see his fighter get a shot like this.
“I think it’s fabulous,” said Thompson, who along with Dan Goossen of Goossen Tutor Promotions co-promotes Lopez. “One guy’s downfall – Berto – and now we step in and get an opportunity like this, especially after the Vargas fight. We probably should have had that call.
“So for Jose, this is a big step for him. This is more or less do or die.”
As pleased as Lopez and Thompson are, Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer couldn’t stop smiling when discussing the type of fight this is likely to be.
“You don’t want to go and get a drink,” said Schaefer, who promotes Ortiz for Oscar De La Hoya’s company. “You want to get ready in your seat by the time the first bell rings because this is going to be toe-to-toe action.
“For Josesito Lopez, he’s been waiting for an opportunity like that and I’m very happy for him that he gets this opportunity.”
As Ortiz (29-3-2, 22 KOs) arrived at Wednesday’s news conference, he was asked to comment on Berto testing positive for steroids.
“I knew he was on ‘roids the whole time,” Ortiz said. “How can you take a beating for 12 rounds (referring to their fight in 2011) and still be standing?”
Ortiz later discussed his new opponent.
“Lopez is a warrior and I know he’ll come to fight on June 23,” he said. “Josesito knows this is a huge opportunity for him on a big stage. That’s why I can’t take him lightly.”
The semi-main event will feature former lightweight world champion Humberto Soto of Mexico against Lucas Matthysse of Argentina in what figures to be another heavy-hitting fight.
Also, No. 1 heavyweight contender Chris Arreola of Riverside was added to the card. He will fight an opponent to be determined.
Schaefer couldn’t say enough about how everything worked out.
“Matthysse and Soto, what can you say?” Schaefer said. “Talk about toe-to-toe battles and exciting guys. And I think with Chris Arreola, no matter who he fights it’s going to be a good fight.”