Lopez vs Leo Prediction: The Battle for the Featherweight Throne

This title clash will be interesting as the champion will travel to the challenger's hometown and not the opposite. Will Luis Lopez defend his IBF Featherweight title in front of a hostile crowd or will Angelo Leo get back among the world champions? Here is our Lopez vs Leo prediction.

Lopez vs Leo Prediction: Who has the advantage?

Luis Lopez Preview

The number 1 ranked Mexican featherweight is set to make his fourth defense of the IBF Featherweight title after winning it in 2022 against Josh Warrington. Since then, ‘El Venado' defeated Michael Conlan via TKO, Joet Gonzalez via UD, and Reiya Abe via TKO in March 2024.

The Mexican has a very unconventional boxing style, which is often the reason his opponents struggle against him. His speed is incredible and his aggression sometimes shocks his foes. He prefers to get close and is not afraid of serious exchanges. This would not be possible without his strong chin, as he often takes big risks in the line of fire.

This is why we cannot say that Luis Lopez is invisible. He hasn't lost since 2019 but both his defeats came against opponents that weren't supposed to be able to beat him. So his aggressive style definitely puts him at risk. He barely beat Warrington via MD for the title and then the UD vs Gonzalez was fairly close too.

And while ‘El Venado' has 17 knockouts in 30 wins, he is hardly a consistent knockout threat. He is capable of landing a finishing blow but it will be hard against someone like Angelo Leo. So, before we give our Lopez vs Leo prediction, let's take a closer look at the challenger.

Angelo Leo Preview

The #3 ranked American featherweight was once the WBO junior featherweight champion and held the belt for two years before losing it to Stephen Fulton. To date, this is his only career defeat and his professional record includes 24 wins.

The loss influenced his decision to move up to featherweight and Leo enters this title fight after four convincing wins. He defeated Aaron Alameda, Nicolas Polanco, Mike Plania, and Eduardo Baez to sit in the challenger seat.

On paper, ‘El Chinito' has the edge over Lopez. He is taller and utilizes the complete opposite style. He prefers to fight from the outside and has the tools to neutralize or at least punish the attempts to get closer. He is a good counterpuncher and has an extremely durable chin. Last but not least, he will be fighting in front of his home crowd in Albuquerque.

Our Luis Lopez vs Angelo Leo Prediction: A Guaranteed Decision

In most cases, there is a clear favorite ahead of these fights but this time, we feel like betting on a winner is a horrible idea. Yes, bookmakers give Lopez the advantage but there will be many factors in play here. Of course, the Mexican has a better chance of winning due to his experience, but the American's trump cards could well play here.

There is a much safer option that we picked for our Lopez vs Leo prediction. Bet on the fight to go the distance as the likelihood of a knockout in this fight is low. Both fighters are not known for their knockout power but have remarkable durability.

Nevertheless, the odds for Leo to win via decision are also worth a shot here with a minimal stake. He has the anthropometric advantage and will have the support of the crowd.