Get ready for a huge Friday night of boxing action! The Lopez vs. Gonzalez fight is set to air live this Friday, September 15, at 10:00 p.m. ET and 7:00 p.m. PT. You can catch all the action live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+, straight from the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas.
For the main event, Luis Alberto “El Venado” Lopez is geared up to defend his IBF featherweight title, taking on former two-time world title challenger, Joet Gonzalez. Lopez, boasting a record of 28 wins and 2 losses with 16 knockouts, seized the IBF title last year by overthrowing Josh Warrington in Leeds, England. In his inaugural title defense, he journeyed to Belfast, outclassing Michael Conlan in the fifth round with a stunning right uppercut. Now, he aims to retain his championship title against Gonzalez, a seasoned fighter in the division. With a 26-3 record and 15 KOs, Gonzalez made his professional debut back in 2012 and had an unblemished record until he squared off against Shakur Stevenson in 2019 for the vacant WBO featherweight title. Coming off a unanimous decision win over Enrique Vivas in April, he now gets another crack at a world title.
The co-feature for the night is an exciting 10-round junior middleweight fight that has Puerto Rico’s rising star Xander Zayas going up against Mexico’s Roberto Valenzuela Jr. Ever since signing with Top Rank at the young age of 16, Zayas (16-0, 10 KOs) has been on a fast track to stardom. The 21-year-old is back for his second appearance this year, following his unanimous decision victory over Ronald Cruz back in June. Valenzuela (21-4, 20 KOs), a six-year pro and also 24 years old, will fight Zayas following his third-round TKO win over Daniel Vega in April.
Don’t miss the undercard, which will exclusively stream on ESPN+ starting at 6:00 p.m. ET / 3:00 p.m. PT. The broadcast team for the night includes Hall of Famer Timothy Bradley, Jr., Mark Kriegel, and Bernardo Osuna.
Luis Alberto Lopez:
“I’m thrilled to compete on a significant date for Mexico. Both Joet Gonzalez and I aim to represent our homeland with pride. That night, expect nothing short of an intense confrontation.”
“While I recognize Joet’s impressive bouts and commend his achievements, the respect ends once we step into the ring. My aim? To secure the title for both my loved ones and my country.”
“The bout promises to be fiercely contested. Two driven Mexicans in the ring always bring their best. Joet Gonzalez’s resilience is known, and my ambition remains clear – secure a knockout.”
“Preparation is our mantra. My style? It’s about offering electrifying bouts and always moving ahead. When ‘El Venado’ steps into the ring, the audience is in for a riveting spectacle.”
Joet Gonzalez:
“I’m on the brink of my third world title shot, and I couldn’t be more thankful. Each time I’ve given my utmost in the ring. The title is a must-win for me.”
“My training regimen has always been rigorous. There are no easy paths; the hard work in the gym is non-negotiable. While some nights might not go as planned, my resolve remains firm, and I pledge to always give it my best.”
“This bout means a lot, especially given its significance for Mexico. My focus? Clinching the win and clinching the new IBF world title. It’s straightforward – the title has to accompany me back.”
Xander Zayas:
“My journey so far has been exhilarating. Sixteen fights in, and each bout has been a learning experience. The ring has been my classroom, and I’m eager to dazzle everyone this upcoming Saturday.”
“Our training sessions for the past few bouts have been rigorous, preparing for a ten-round bout. Now that the chance is here, I’m fully poised to make the most of it. I’m up against a determined Mexican competitor, and both of us aim to captivate.”
“While he carries significant weight with him – the Mexican Independence Day following our bout, his family cheering him on, and likely the crowd’s roar in his favor – my goal remains: to mesmerize and win the audience’s heart.”
Roberto Valenzuela Jr.:
“This date holds deep meaning for Mexico and me. It’s my chance to make Roberto Valenzuela a household name.”
“Studying him closely, I acknowledge his skills. Yet, my zeal to triumph and forge ahead in my career might tilt the scales. A victory could pave the way to even grander fights.”
Omar Aguilar:
“It’s an honor to fight on such a monumental date, surrounded by fellow enthusiasts. My best performance awaits the ring.”
“The bout with Lindolfo Delgado was a turning point. Armed with that experience, I step into this fight, completely prepared.”
Julio Luna:
“I’m fully prepped for an extensive bout or even an early finish. With two Mexicans in the ring, fireworks are guaranteed.”
“The tussle with Giovani Santillán was a learning curve. Displeased with its outcome, I’m now gearing up to capitalize on this fresh chance.”
Emiliano Fernando Vargas:
“Being here feels surreal. Echoing my father’s legacy in Corpus Christi after nearly two decades is poignant.”
“Eagerly awaiting my ESPN debut, I’m confident of giving a stellar show. Facing this opponent will bring out my best. Climbing up to a world championship level requires surpassing challenges like the one on Friday.”
John Rincon:
“Dreamt of this moment since childhood. The preparation is done. This Friday, expect nothing short of a spectacular performance.”
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Fight Schedule (All Times ET):
- Fri., Sept. 15, 10:00 p.m.: Main Event: Luis Alberto Lopez (C) vs. Joet Gonzalez (IBF Featherweight) live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, ESPN+
- Co-Feature: Xander Zayas vs. Roberto Valenzuela Jr.
- Special Feature: Emiliano Fernando Vargas vs. Alejandro Guardado
- 6:00 p.m.: Undercard featuring Robson Conceicao vs. Humberto Galindo and more, streaming exclusively on ESPN+