Abraham Lopez Unleashes On March 16

ESPN Bout Versus Gabriel Tolmajyan

Abraham Lopez (16-0, 12 KOs) is young, unbeaten and ready for more.

This kid is legit, says his team. And he’s ready–and willing–to prove it Friday, March 16 when he squares off against southpaw Gabriel “Gapo” Tolmajyan (12-1-1, 3 KOs) on the undercard of the Kendall Holt vs. Tim Coleman main event at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Cabazon, California.

Lopez is prepared to shine in his ESPN “Friday Night Fights” match opening the card.

Yesterday Team Lopez held a media workout in Santa Fe Springs that showcased 24-year-old Abe’s skills that have earned him a perfect ledger.

Flanked by trainer and father Rafael Lopez, promoter Ken Thompson, Thompson Boxing’s Alex Camponovo, manager Frank Espinoza and Espinoza Boxing Club’s Frankie Espinoza, the Lopez camp spoke about their upcoming clash between two SoCal fighters.

This “Abe vs. Gabe” showdown should provide fireworks in the ring.

Tolmajyan is a popular 25-year-old boxer fighting out of Glendale, who scored a minor upset in December over noted Colombian Daulis Prescott. “El Chamaco” Lopez vs. “The Ghost” Tolmajyan is scheduled for ten rounds of action in a featherweight war.

“He’s a good technical fighter but I will win this fight; he drops his hands too much,” a confident Abraham said of his opponent. “I’m a better all-around fighter. I don’t think he wants to drop his hand and get counter-punched.”

Tolmajyan will no doubt bring the Glendale Fighting Club crew and the HyeFighter nation with him. When I’ve watched the Armenian boxer fight in previous matches, he always has a loyal fan following with their country’s flag flying proudly.

I asked Abe (who’s usually the hometown favorite) what he thinks of this and how it will affect him.

“It’s okay!” the likable pug replied. “In California there’s a majority of Latinos so I kind of have that advantage!”

The former amateur standout started boxing after watching his brother fight to ward off the neighborhood bullies.

And he’s never stopped.

His style template is based on his boyhood heroes: Oscar De La Hoya, Ricardo “Finito” Lopez and Julio Cesar Chavez. “I always watched them as a kid; they’re my favorites for their beautiful styles.”

Training with his dad (a former fighter himself) in their home gym, the father–son duo said sparring’s been top notch.

“I’ve had great sparring with Joseph Diaz, who’s a great southpaw,” Abe tells me. “He’s incredible and gave us good work.”

JoJo is a teen sensation who has a coveted spot on the 2012 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team.

“This isn’t the first time you’ve faced southpaws though?” I mention.

“We’ve sparred three southpaws before,” father/trainer Rafael confirms. “He got two of them out quickly and we went the distance with Noe Lopez.”

The whole team is anticipating a great opportunity next Friday night.

Lopez, co-promoted by Thompson Boxing Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions, is making his ESPN debut.

“I have fought on Showtime and Telefutura before,” Abe says, “but this is my very first ESPN bout.”

Promoter Ken Thompson predicts: “He’s gonna be like a ‘volcano’ on ESPN waiting to erupt! He’s fast and exciting. This is the birth of a champion; he’s gonna crack through and everyone will take notice.”

Manager Frank Espinoza agrees. “This kid has a lot of talent with a knockout punch! He’s got all the ability in the world,” the boxing manager nods. “With this ESPN fight, this is what it’s all about; 2012 will be his year. And with youth on his side, we’re going for a world title in 2013.”

But first he will face Tolmajyan in the desert Mecca of Morongo. At Thompson’s February 24 promotion, I first caught up with Abe, who shared his excitement about his March 16 ESPN bout. This will be his first fight of the new year and he couldn’t contain his excitement.

And Lopez has been putting in work to prove he deserves a shot at a future title. He’s also balancing college courses in respiratory therapy and plans to graduate this summer. Abe plans on staying busy again this year, having fought four times in 2011.

I saw these fights last year and also took notice of his quiet resolve, discipline and intense focus.

But in his first fight last year, back in February, the young slugger admits to learning an invaluable lesson in the ring. During this match against Felipe Almanza, Lopez was cut from a head butt and just not on top of his game, he revealed back then. After the fight (which he won) he told me that his mom was very ill and in and out of the hospital at the time. It’s understandable that the prizefighter’s mind and heart were with her and his family.

Nevertheless, he told me he would always be mentally prepared and strong in the future. And he was.

His next three fights were won; two by knockout and more importantly, Lopez had a new intensity within him.

Focused, fierce and ready.

After his workout for the large group of media had ended, Abe was already preparing for the next workout of the day.

Two-a-day training?

Try three-a-days.

“I’ll need it for later today!” he said, grabbing his gear.

“You’re doing two-a-days?” I ask.

Lopez said with a smile, “I do THREE a days! Oscar De La Hoya used to do that. I want to be the best; I’m training to be the best.”

Abe projects a wholesome image, even abstaining alcohol. But don’t let those choirboy looks fool you.

“He’s hard working, bilingual, good looking AND he can ‘crack’!” Alex Camponovo, Thompson Boxing’s General Manager/Matchmaker assesses.

What’s not to like?

Catch the cracklin’ hot Abraham Lopez Friday night, March 16 live at Morongo (airing live on ESPN).

Tickets: 951-755-5391 or 800-745-3000

Photo by Michele Chong/ Gym Photos by Carlos Baeza/Thompson Boxing Promotions