just watching Lopez vs Molina I in 88, and as part of the prefight festivities they are talking about a proposed fight for Lopez to face Nelson or Barry McGuigan if he gets by Molina. It seems like 89 would have been a good time for these fights to get made. Does anyone know what held them up or why they didn’t come off? In 89 Lopez fought 3 x’s Lockridge II and Tyrone Jackson before giving Molina a second shot. Nelson fought Martinez and McDonnell McGuigan lost his final fight to McDonnell in 89. I think Lopez would have beaten McGuigan at this point. The Nelson Lopez fight would have been fun to watch. Who would have won in 89?
Lockridge I was FOTY and well worth the watch. Also lockridge II. His trilogy with John John Molina is a classic pressure fighter vs Boxer match up. My personal fav is Lopez vs Paez but only because they were both 2 of my favs as a teen. Lopez vs Brian Mitchell I & II Lopez vs Gamache and Tyrone Jackson and Haugen are fun watches Lopez vs Thobela I & II Lopez vs JCC Heck, his whole career is worth checking out, fun fighter
I believed at the time Azumah was the best in the division. Lopez was good and tough. Boxers gave him more problems like Molina and Mitchell. You have two very strong 130lbers who can bust you up. I would give Nelson the edge because he was a road warrior and had more talent. He could switch gears and box. Good fight though. One note. There was a period where Azumah caught Malaria and also had surgery on his elbow. He wasnt at full strength. Lopez wins in that scenario.
Not sure Lopez would beat him in the malaria situation, as that was when Jeff French seemed to beat Nelson on the undercard of Tyson vs Ruddock and yet he only walked away with a draw. 2 of my favorites but I think at their best as well as in 89 Nelson would prove the better, but it would be fun to watch.
The Professor was a better athlete. He had a cat like quickness and uncommon balance. His hands were kinda Foremanesque in that they were very heavy. Where he landed he left a mark.
Good fight but I'd back Nelson here without hesitation. As stated Lopez was a good fighter and loved an in the trenches battle. He had decent enough power and an indomitable fighting spirit. Nelson though an aggressive fighter at heart, could also switch gears and box when circumstances dictated. He was a very dangerous puncher with both hands as well as having great finishing skills. Nelson has too much for Lopez who'd be game to the end. Nelson would be leading when he'd finally floor and batter a bruised and hurt Lopez before the referee intervenes for a TKO 11 for Azumah.
Yeah I kinda figured most would pick Nelson, but mainly I want to know if anyone knows why it didn’t happen. Since it was said that it was in the planning I want to know what blocked it
Ah gotcha. Who was Lopez promoted by? Nelson was a King fighter and the King/Arum enmity in the 90's put paid to some potential great fights. I wonder if this was another one of those?
Not sure? Probably Joey Montoya? But during the pre fight build up for Molina Lopez I , they were talking about a fight with Nelson/McGuigan in the works if he got by Molina. A shame neither one happened although I think Lopez would likely have beaten Barry by 89
Tony Lopez had some finesse. He had a very good right hand and he timed it well. Tony would give a good account of himself but Nelson was an all-time great.
