On this day: Juan Manuel Lopez hit the canvas in a dramatic opening round.
In his sparkling career, the Puerto Rican earned the love of the fans, winning world titles in two weight divisions.
With an unrelenting will to win, the warrior engaged in many an enthralling war.
One of which is still remembered very fondly by the combat sports community.
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Juan Manuel Lopez shared 2010 Ring Magazine Round of the Year with Bernabe Concepcion
On July 10, 2010, Juan Manuel Lopez put his WBO featherweight world championship belt on the line against Bernabe Concepcion.
In a thrilling encounter, the pair delivered for the fans in abundance.
Within the first minute of the bout, the champion landed a huge left hook that sent his opponent hurtling into the ropes.
Aiming for a quick finish, Lopez detonated a big right to score a knockdown.
However, rather than give up, the Filipino bit down on his gumshield. After taking a barrage of punches, he fired back with a huge punch to drop Lopez.
Somehow, both men made it to the end of the three minutes, and were ultimately awarded with the 2010 Ring Magazine Round of the Year.
Juan Manuel Lopez knocked out Bernabe Concepcion
Having been hurt badly at the end of the opener, many would’ve thought Lopez would’ve started the second round apprehensively.
But instead, he was right back on the offensive, putting his rival on the ground again with a left hand.
This time, Lopez went in for the finish in a more calculated manner, hurting his opponent with big shots, before landing his third knockdown.
As Concepcion made his way back to his feet, the referee called a halt to the action.