Orlando Salido vs Juan Manuel Lopez Rematch Targeted for Mid-August

by Scott Christ on May 12, 2011 4:30 PM EDT in Boxing News Analysis

Orlando Salido and Juan Manuel Lopez engaged in a thrilling war in April. They look likely to do it again in August. (Photo by Tom Casino/SHOWTIME)

A rematch between Orlando Salido and Juan Manuel Lopez is being negotiated for August 13 or August 20, according to Jhonny Gonzalez of BoxingScene.com.

Fernando Beltran (Salido's promoter) and Bob Arum (Lopez's co-promoter) are on board with the idea, and Showtime is of course interested in the rematch. The fight was a barnburner on April 16, with Salido eventually stopping Lopez in one of the best fights and biggest upsets of the year.

Salido (35-11-2, 23 KO) has been previously reported as trying to land a celebratory-type defense in Mexico in July, but that might not happen if the August fight is being seriously pursued. Lopez (30-1, 27 KO) said from the get-go after the fight that he wanted an immediate rematch, and has also said he'll be taking his training camp to Florida (HE'S GONNA TAKE HIS TALENTS TO SOUTH BEACH! HAHAHA!) in order to avoid some of the distractions he may have had training at home in Puerto Rico.

Given that this was a big upset and that Lopez is the younger man, how do you see a rematch going right now? Lopez was just wide open for Salido all night and paid the price, and it's hard to take that cowboy mentality out of a fighter, no matter where he trains. Lopez gets hit a ton and just does not present a credible defense anymore. Do you figure the savvy veteran takes him apart again, or do you expect a refocused Lopez to have the answers this time?

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No predictions yet, but plenty of people will underestimate the Mexican Glen Johnson, and they really should think twice about it. I’ve watched the first fight about six times, and await this one with baited breath.

by El Destruyo on May 12, 2011 4:58 PM EDT reply actions

I’m guessing Salido will again be the underdog in the rematch. But he has the confidence of winning the first fight + the power and good chin.

And has Lopez’s punch resistance declined? Wouldn’t surprise me if Lopez extracts revenge, but Salido is again a good "dog" pick.

by DPlainview on May 12, 2011 5:20 PM EDT reply actions

(HE’S GONNA TAKE HIS TALENTS TO SOUTH BEACH! HAHAHA!)

Not cool man…not cool

by erod on May 12, 2011 5:59 PM EDT reply actions

it will never end!

Bad Left Hook
"To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day..."

by Scott Christ on May 12, 2011 6:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Lopez will tear him apart in the rematch, possibly put him in a coma.

by JasonTryp on May 12, 2011 7:46 PM EDT reply actions

Don’t mince words or anything.

Bad Left Hook
"To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day..."

by Scott Christ on May 12, 2011 7:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Classy

by Matt Mosley on May 13, 2011 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions

Being a little humerous. But I do favor Lopez in the return. He should be able to take things more seriously in the gym or between fights now and be in probably the best shape he’s been in. Should be an exciting scrap!

by JasonTryp on May 12, 2011 7:56 PM EDT reply actions