The 33-year-old from Mexicali has won two fights since losing his title to Angelo Leo in August 2024 and will look to continue his comeback when he faces Daniel Lugo as chief support to Abass Baraou-Giovani Santillan Friday on ProBox at the Frontwave Arena, Oceanside, California.

"My opponent is a Mexican brawler, he has fought against a former world champion and I believe it is going to be a true Mexican war," Lopez (32-3, 19 KOs) told The Ring.

"I want the best 130-pounders. I feel very comfortable in the junior lightweight division, and I can't wait to put on a show September 11."

Having reached the pinnacle of boxing by becoming a world champion, he isn't content to just ride off into the sunset just yet.

"As a fighter I always dreamed to become a world champion, after I achieved my goal, it has helped me to give a better life for my family and realize that whatever you put in your mind in you can make it happen," he said.

"My family is everything to me, my little three-year-old baby Lyali is my engine. Every time I'm tired I just look on my phone screen and see the picture of her, [my son] Jesus, [daughter] Nicole, [daughter] Victoria and my beautiful wife, Mittzi and that fuels me up and I give 200 percent. Everything I do is for them, to give them a better life than I had."

If he can get past Lugo, Lopez believes he'll be ready for another title challenge and issues the following message.

"Be ready because "Venado" is coming back stronger and focused, I want to make a statement and show the boxing world I'm ready for any elite fighter," he said before singling out a particular champion.

"I would like that my friend [IBF and WBO champion] Emmanuel Navarrete [to] give me the opportunity, he's the best 130-pound champion and I like to fight the best."

His manager, Kiki Magana, believes this fight should tell us exactly what Lopez has left and if he is capable of scaling previous heights.

"I'm really excited for Venado's return in the US, he has always wanted to fight in San Diego," said Magana.

"[Lugo] got a draw versus Mauricio Lara and if you see that fight, Lara told his corner he didn't want to continue but they pushed him till the end.

"His last fight versus Edward Vasquez, he almost knocked him out. [This is a good comeback fight to see if Lopez is ready for the top contenders."

Lugo (28-4-1, 19 KOs) has been a professional for over a decade. The 31-year-old Mexican built his record at home and though his form has been patchy of late, he fought former WBA featherweight titlist Lara to a 10-round draw in February 2024.

He was stopped three months later by Eduardo Hernandez in seven rounds and is coming off a hard-fought 10-round unanimous decision defeat to Vazquez on June 5.