Like Trinidad and Cotto, “Juanma” Makes NYC His Home Away from Home

By: Phil Kane (SBB)

The word is out that undefeated WBO super bantamweight champion Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez, 27-0, 24KO’s is looking to make NYC his home away from home, making his fourth appearance at Madison Square Garden Jan. 23 against WBO featherweight champion Steven Luevano.

Lopez, who is in town with his family closing down the final stages of his training, has been seen around town and like a true New Yorker took the time out to take in a Knick’s game.

Lopez last appeared at the Garden this past October defending his title successfully against the tough, rugged Roger Mtawga who will be meeting undefeated featherweight sensation Yuriorkis Gamboa in the evenings co-feature possibly setting up a collision between Lopez and Gamboa hopefully here in NY following the tradition of his Puerto Rican Champion predecessors Miguel Cotto and Felix Trinidad.

Lopez, the present WBO junior bantamweight champion is moving up to challenge Steve Luevano, 37-1-, 15KO’s for his WBO featherweight championship this Saturday, Jan. 23 at the Theater in Madison Square Garden.

Lopez/Luevano is the main event on an action packed card that co-features Gamboa/Mtawga and New york’s favorite son “Irelands” John Duddy vs Juan Astorga. The card is filled out with top class action with light middleweights Pawel “Raging Bull” Wolak and Ishmail Arvin scheduled for eight, featherweights Jorge Diaz and Tommy Atencio for six, cruiserweights Carlos Negron and Garrett Wilson for six.

Locals scheduled are Queens NY’s light heavyweight standout Will “Will Power” Rosinsky meeting Markus Gonzales for six. Greenlawn, Long Island rising light welterweight Chris Algieri taking on James Hope over six and Plainview, New York light middleweights Tommy “The Razor” Rainone facing Gerardo Cesar Prietoalso scheduled for six.

Rumors are that good friend Felix “Tito” Trinidad and Miguel Cotto will be on hand to support their friend and keep the sterling the tradition and reputation of Puerto Rican boxing alive in the “Big Apple.”

Tickets are priced as follows ringside, $200.00, lower level $200, mid level $100, and the upper level $75 and $50.  All seats are great in the theater and are going fast.

You can pick up your tickets now at the box office, ticketmaster or  go to www.StrictlyBusinessBoxing.com or on line at

(www.ticketmaster.com/event/1D00437EEC966B9D?artistid=1388906&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=33).