Lopez (33-3, 19 KOs) dropped and stopped Daniel Lugo (28-5-1, 19 KOs) in three rounds Friday in his third fight at 130 pounds.

It was also his third appearance since suffering a scary stoppage loss against Angelo Leo in August 2024 during the fourth defense of his IBF title.

The debilitating defeat resulted in a brain bleed for the 33-year-old Lopez, but "El Venado" proved that he still has more than his fair share of venom left in him by viciously scoring the victory against Lugo.

"I'm very enthusiastic. I was very anxious to return to the ring," Lopez said after the fight. "I was trying to fight some world champions but unfortunately, none of them were available. But hey, I'm happy to perform here against Lugo.

"I said it before, and my goal is the same. I want to face the world champions, O'Shaquie Foster and Emanuel Navarrete."

WBO and IBF champion Navarrete, and Foster, the WBC junior lightweight titleholder, will square off October 24 in San Antonio, Texas, in a fight for the vacant Ring title. Navarrete is ranked No. 1 in the division; Foster is second.

While Lopez waits to see who emerges as the winner, he'll best be served by staying active and not languishing on the sidelines as he tries to become a two-division champion.

Lopez has fought just seven rounds over three fights since the Leo loss, and a strong prove-it win against notable commodities like Charly Suarez, Raymond Ford, or fellow Mexican former beltholder Eduardo Nunez would make Lopez a deserving candidate to face the Navarrete-Foster winner.

"I've never had an easy fight, and I've gone all over the world," Lopez said. "I promise you, I will be champion once again."