Lopez ready for 5th title try!

By Lee Bates

Puerto Rico’s Jose ‘Carita’ Lopez (38-7-2, 32 KOs) goes for his fifth attempt at winning a world title when he battles Thailand’s Pramuansak Posuwan (45-1-1, 24 KOs) this Saturday at the Coliseo Ruben Rodriguez in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. The two will be fighting for the vacant WBO super flyweight title. The event titled ‘Night of Champions’ will be promoted by PR Best Boxing and televised on Direct TV. Though Lopez’ previous four attempts have been unsuccessful he is confident none the less of winning that elusive world title this time around. “I’m extremely focused and in excellent condition for this fight and simply won’t be denied of winning the world title this time” stated Lopez.

Fightnews spoke with Lopez just days away from the event and he spoke on his knowledge of Posuwan, still fighting at the elite level at 36 years of age, and pressures of winning in his now fifth world title opportunity.

What do you know about Pramuansak Posuwan?

I’ve seen video on him and he is a very technically sound fighter. I’m prepared for a very tough fight but expect in the end to be victorious.

You share a common opponent in then WBO super flyweight champion Fernando Montiel who you both challenged for his title. Based on how you both faired against Montiel how do see things playing out between you and Posuwan?

We both lost by decision to Montiel so there really isn’t much to take from that. Styles make fights in boxing so we will see what happens when we actually fight each other.

Do you feel pressured to win this fight knowing that this is your 5th and maybe your last chance to win a world title?

I don’t feel pressured at all. It’s been more than 7 years since my last world title fight with then champion Fernando Montiel. I’m a very hungry fighter and extremely focused for this fight.

36 is generally an age where most fighters slow down especially in the smaller weight divisions yet you have been able to remain steadily consistent and fighting extremely well on a very high level. What do you attribute that to?

Thank you for the compliment first of all. Many fighters that are my age or older are currently successful like Bernard Hopkins and Shane Mosley to name a few. For me It’s a matter of me taking care of myself and being able to stay very active thanks to my promoter PR Best Boxing (Ivan & Peter Rivera).

Having never won a decision in your previous 4 world title opportunities are you seeking a knockout this time around?

I really don’t think about the past opportunties as I can’t change the past. Winning is the priority but it would be nice to win the title by knockout in front of the fans in my native Puerto Rico.