31-0 Garcia achieved his lifelong goal when defeating Orlando Salido in January to seal his first world crown and now takes on the Puerto Rican knockout specialist after informing WBN that the fight is signed and sealed.
“The fight with Lopez is a done deal and we will be fighting on HBO,” Garcia told World Boxing News.
“Judging from his last fight, Lopez is he still dangerous and has power. its going to be a good fight and I am looking forward to defending my belt.”
Lopez, 29, suffered his only two losses in 35 contests ironically to Salido in 2011 and 2012, but has since come back with a pair of stoppage wins to push his KO percentage to 85 percent.
Questions still remain as to whether Lopez can cut it with the world’s best after being put down in both defeats to Salido and Garcia will start as a heavy favourite – with the rest of the card to be announced shortly.
