Who do you favor in this intriguing match up between 2 skilled technicians? Lopez was still a solid fighter when he moved up to Light Flyweight. Would he be able to beat a smooth defensive southpaw like Zapata? The Zapata who beat Olivo and Torres would pose a problem against a textbook boxer like Lopez IMO. However, Lopez does have the power to drop and possibly stop Zapata. I think Zapata might be able to edge Lopez, so long as he doesn't get clocked by Lopez much like against Amado Ursua. Either Zapata by close decision or Lopez by stoppage for me.
Zapata by decision for me. His twisting, spring like movement will trouble Lopez, though Lopez still has success as he was weak inside, where Zapata will not be fighting. I could see Lopez scoring a knockdown, but still losing a decision. Zapata in his prime (which wasn't long) is also easily 10x better than anyone Lopez fought. Another entertaining match up @Flo_Raiden!
Lopez by KO. There's no way that Zapata, as defensively sound as he is, goes the entire fight without getting clocked, and Lopez is a good enough finisher to capitalize when that happens.
I also pick Zapata. López being very one note and methodical, would fall prey to Zapata's springing movement and long jab, imo. Zapata being bigger, quicker and having a slight edge in styles (due to his awkwardness) makes it hard for me to pick López, but his power gives him the proverbial puncher's chance.
Lopez's only chance is to catch him with a hard shot since Zapata was not so tuff when it comes to his chin at times,but by most scenarios Zapata will win an UD,bigger, southpaw,moving in awkward angles and is pretty much like a slightly better,mirrored version of Lopez(without the power)
