Big Time Boxing
From Belfast
Conlan vs Lopez – 9pm GMT
Conlan: 5’8, 68.5in arm reach Lopez: 5’4, 66in arm reach
Keep in mind: Lopez noticeably lost to Ruben villa who was a fighter who was a good boxer. (Not on the level of Conlan)
Conlan knocked out in last round vs Wood on an empty gas tank from to much pressure throughout the fight
Preview:
This has the makings of a great fight and can be considered a true 50/50 contest. Both fighters stylistically match up well against the other.
Conlan is a pure boxer who fights both southpaw and orthodox. He is a fighter who can crack on the inside and fight on the outside. Lacks power to an extent. Tends to not like intense pressure, so if Lopez is in control of pace it could be a tough fight for him. Fights under Adam Booth, those fights have long stances and sit on punches (exerts a lot of energy)
This is the biggest fights of Micks life as he is 31 and this will be his last chance at a world title. He fights is in his hometown of Belfast Ireland. The crowd loves him and is arguably the most hostile and loving fan base.
Lopez is an awkward fighter who has a great deal of power, he is a good counter puncher, and throws punches from unusual angles (making him tough to read). Lopez tends to fight with his hands down and his head stationary. Another thing we noticed is against Josh Warrington he didn’t take kindly to being roughed up. So if it gets on the inside look for Conlan to clinch and stay away from Lopez power while throwing a few head buts an low blows.
Lopez is a good Mexican fighter. Historically Mexican fighters do well against British fighters. Both fighters have shown they tire out at the end of fights. I.e. Conlan vs wood Lopez Vs Warrington
Lopez key to victory is winning the early rounds and coasting towards the end. This will be a difficult task because Conlan will look to win the early rounds on points and win smoothly. The expression “don’t hook with a hooker” should be kept in mind by Conlan.
Lopez put Isaac Lowe down on a one punch left hook in the first round (his left hook is his money shot). Conlan will look to manoeuvre and stay on the outside while landing his jab and straight left. When Lopez is throwing Conlan will counter him and get inside to land a few to the body, to wear Lopez down, and clinch or duck back to the outside. Lopez will get picked apart due to his lack of defense.
We think Mick will look to stay in the south paw stance to have himself protected from the left hook of Lopez.
Conlan should avoid brawling with Lopez and instead use his pristine boxing ability to earn points and stack up rounds. Look for Conlan to control distance with the jab and keep Lopez from getting comfortable. Conlan will use the ring to his advantage and force Lopez to throw awkward punches from distance. This could lead to Lopez getting hit on the way in.
Conlan must be sharp all night and keep his mind from wandering. Lopez and his unorthodox punching angles could change a fight with one punch.
As long as Conlan doesn’t tire out at the end of his fight, like he did, against Wood he should win comfortably on points. If Conlan can take the early rounds, have a good work rate (don’t allow Lopez to control the fight), and fight with great defense he should be set for a victory in Belfast.
Our Predictions:
Conlan ML @4/5
Conlan By Decision/Technical Decision @7/5
Best Boxing Picks and Tips, Image Credit: bt.com
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