Guaynabo, P.R.- The protagonists of the upcoming “Latin Fury 9” card in Atlantic City weighed in yesterday at the fight’s first press conference and 30 day weigh in. WBO super bantamweight champion Juan Manuel “Juanma” López (25-0, 23 KO’s) and Oliver Lontchi (18-0-2, 8 KO’s) had to make a 140.3 pound limit for their clash which is set for the 27th of June and both made it with ease, with López weighing in at 134.25lbs. and Lontchi at 131lbs. The Puerto Rican champion will be making the fourth defense of his title against Lontchi, born in Cameroon but fighting out of Quebec, Canada.
About their respective opponents, both camps were very respectful despite both camps stating their confidence in victory. Orlando Piñeiro, Juanma’s manager stated that even though he doesn’t think that Lontchi is the ideal fighter to defeat López, they will not underestimate any opponent. On the other side, Howard Grant, trainer for Lontchi, was expressed that López was the best at the weight but he knew his fighter had a chance and would not pass over the opportunity to face the best.
When the fighters had their chance to speak, they would also maintain the same level of respect. The challenger, up at the podium first, stated that he respected López as a man but that respect would end when the moment they entered the ring. Lontchi and his trainer said they had seen a little of Juanma’s last fight and had seen some mistakes to capitalize on. He would also assure the public of a great show and an action packed fight.
Up next was the champion who thanked his team, the press and his fans before going on to say that just by looking at his opponent’s record he knew he was a good fighter but, just like his manager, didn’t think Lontchi was the man to beat him. The young Puerto Rican champion would also address the rumors that Fernando Montiel wants to fight him. About this he stated that first he had to get through Morel and if he were lucky enough to beat the former world champion, then he would gladly knock him out.
About his last fight, a win against Filipino Gerry “Fearless” Peñalosa, Piñeiro said that although it had been a long battle, his fighter did most of the punching so the short layoff hadn’t hurt him. That fight ended when Peñalosa’s trainer, Freddie Roach, decided not to let his fighter come out for 10th round in a fight where López avareged over one hundred punches thrown por round.
Also present for his 30 day weigh in was former WBA flyweight champion Eric “Little hands of Steel” Morel (41-2, 21 KO’s) of San Juan, Puerto Rico who will challenge Fernando “KOchulito” Montiel (39-2-1, 29 KO’s) of Los Mochis, México for the WBO bantamweight title. Morel, who had to make a 135lbs. limit, weighed in at 127lbs. while Montiel wasn’t at hand because of apparent travel complications.
Morel said he’s seen his opponent fight several times and expressed his confidence in victory. About his last fight, where despite wining in front of his public, he was booed throughout most of the rounds, the former champion said the fans are very hard to please. As an example, he said Juanma was being criticized on the island for taking people out too fast. Still, he said some people like his style while others don’t and there isn’t much he can do about it.
Other scheduled bouts for the night include former IBF light welterweight titlist Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi (26-2, 5KO’s) taking on unbeaten Mike Alvarado (26-0, 18KO’s). This will represent Malignaggi’s first fight since his stoppage loss at the hands of Ricky Hatton last November. For Alvarado, The Magic Man represents a step up in opposition even taking into account the fact that Paulie is coming off his first stoppage loss. Another undefeated fighter appearing on the card will be Vanes Martirosyan (23-0, 14KO’s) facing off for a scheduled ten rounds against Andrey Tsurkan (26-4, 17KO’s).
At the press conference were also present two time world champion and current Ring Magazine Jr. Flyweight champion Iván “Iron Boy” Calderón and WBO President Fransisco Valcárcel. Calderón is scheduled to defend his crown and unbeaten record against Rodel Mayol the night of the Cotto-Clottey fight on June 13th at the MSG in New York.