Former 122-pound king Angelo Leo (25-1, 12 KOs) scored a spectacular tenth round KO to dethrone IBF featherweight world champion Luis Alberto “Venado” Lopez (30-3, 17 KOs) on Saturday night at Tingley Coliseum in Leo’s hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The unorthodox style of Lopez gave Leo some problems, but in round ten Leo flattened Venado with a left hook to end it. Lopez was on his back for the full ten count.
In a clash between undefeated junior welterweights, Lindolfo Delgado (21-0, 15 KOs) scored a ten round unanimous decision over Bryan Flores (26-1-1, 15 KOs). Delgado dropped Flores in round three. Flores was deducted a point in round seven for a phantom low blow. Scores were 95-93, 96-92 Delgado, 96-92 Flores. Mixed reaction from the crowd.
Unbeaten local flyweight Matthew Griego (14-0, 10 KOs) shut out late sub Gilberto Mendoza (23-18-4, 11 KOs) in an eight-round rematch. Scores were 80-72 3x. Griego previously shut out Mendoza via six-round unanimous decision in June 2022.
Junior middleweight contender Vito Mielnicki Jr. (19-1, 12 KOs) won his Top Rank debut by second round disqualification against Laszlo Toth (32-9-2, 20 KOs). Mielnicki dropped Toth in round two prompting Toth’s corner to enter the ring and cause Toth to be disqualified. As a result, Mielnicki doesn’t get the KO on his record.
That low blow point was garbage, but it had no effect on the last scorecard. The first scorecard would have had it at a draw. I believe this would have been the right outcome.
Agree about the point being taken.
94-94 would have been fair score but with all the close rounds two point difference seems Ok.
I’m still going with Leo to win this, but it’s a pick’em fight. It should be fan friendly as well.
I got Venado, but Leo is definitely a live dog. Let’s see how it goes!
UNBELIEVABLE!
Great fight! I didn’t think he would knock him out! I had Leo up 6-3 going into the tenth, but I felt Lopez’s power was going to get through. Ever since I’ve seen Leo on pro box, I liked him.
I had him up as well. That was a fantastic performance!
Lopez vs. Leo = Two (2) tough dudes going at it with offensive skills and lions’ hearts. PERO, Lopez’s lowered hand(s) finally caught him.
Leo needs several ice baths, rest and a later scrap against Ball.
Fan-tastic fight. Leo starched Lopez with a left hook. That ref was old school, gave the champ the full ten count.
Good ring announcer also. Too many try to be the star of the show with all their screaming.
People probably will not see this now as I am late. But is bothered me that people entered the ring to celebrate while the ref was still counting. If the commission or a ringside Dr. did it…no problem but not Leo’s people. I have seen DQs for such behavior. I would not want a DQ to ruin a great ending but some action should be taken (i.e. fines) for the people who did that. To me it is disrespectful to the ref. Until he waves it off the fight is not over!! Some may think it obviously was but a line has to be drawn. Until that fight is officially over …those people had no business entering the ring!
Great KO! Surprised they didn’t mention Michael Carbajal as an Albuquerque great. Sat next to him years ago at a Vegas fight. Huge hands but tiny wrists. I could have folded my hand easily over that wrist. Nice guy but I got glared at for cheering against his guy.
Carbajal is from Phoenix.
im sure he meant Johnny Tapia in which they did mention
Nope, guess I was wrong. Loved watching tapia fight but always knew he was disaster waiting to happen in his life.
great fight great ko styles make fights
great victory by leo . venado did not look like his “usual self “after the 5 or 6th rd. as he seemed flat and tired and not moving much as usual .
Lopez probably read too much of his online praise and it went to his head. He will claim weight issues and move up but we will see how he reacts going forward. He figured no one could stop him with his chin and now he’s been planked. Good performance Mr Leo
Chris algeri much better than Bradley. And damn tessatore tried too hard. Stop the screaming
Lopez looked awful. Like a clydesdale pulling a beer wagon!