By Francisco Salazar

It would be something if lightning were to ever strike twice. As rare as it happens, it makes people appreciate how powerful something like that could occur in the first place.

The lightning strike that was Josesito Lopez delivering a stunning upset victory over Victor Ortiz on June 23rd did leave most fight fans appreciating what happened live.

However, Lopez wants to prove that lightning strikes more often than not, especially when the second strike leaves a more significant impact.

Lopez will fight Saul “Canelo” Alvarez later tonight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV.

The bout will headline an eight-bout “Knockout Kings” card, which will be presented by Golden Boy Promotions, in association with Thompson Boxing Promotions and Goossen Tutor Promotions.

The card will be televised live on Showtime, starting at 9PM Eastern time.

Lopez was not even supposed to fight Alvarez. Lopez was to be a keep-busy fight for Ortiz, who was in line to face Alvarez. Ironically, Lopez was even scheduled to fight Kendall Holt the day before, but Holt backed out because he did not want to fight in the head at the outdoor venue at the Soboba Casino in San Jacinto.

Despite being down on the cards, Lopez came on in the second half of the fight. After the ninth round, Ortiz decided not to continue, citing a possible broken jaw that turned out to be two fractures.

Lopez would love nothing more than to prove people wrong a second time. Most ringside experts analyze that Alvarez will be too much for Lopez. However, some of these experts were wrong when they thought Ortiz would defeat Lopez.

The Riverside, CA resident is used to people picking against him. Not only has he proved people wrong, but is not afraid of the odds being against him.

“I believe in myself,” Lopez told BoxingScene.com. “Motivation plays a part, especially in the preparation of a big fight. I even appreciate the support during a fight from the crowd. It gives me energy.”

”I know I’m the underdog and I’m used to it.”

While there were certain characteristics that may favor Alvarez over Lopez, boxing experts claim that Lopez was able to win because he persevered, not giving up under the adversity of being down on the cards against Ortiz.

There are some that even think that Lopez could give Alvarez are a harder-than-expected test. Lopez thinks that his resume is more impressive and could give him an edge over Alvarez.

“I know he has good experience, but I have fought the better competition,” said Lopez, who is co-promoted by Thompson Boxing and Goossen Tutor. “I think that I’ve been in tougher fights where I’ve fought tough and undefeated fighters. I’ve learned from those tough losses because I was able to overcome adversity.”

Alvarez becoming a star attraction amongst the Golden Boy Promotions stable. He is now headlining significant cards while he was fighting on undercards of major fights a year or two ago.

As most involved in boxing could justify, it is hard for unbeaten and popular fighters to maintain that pressure. Could so much be put on Alvarez because he could have a lot more to lose than Lopez?

According to Lopez, he has nothing to lose and everything to gain.

“I feel good and relaxed. I don’t know how he feels, but in my opinion, he shouldn’t feel relaxed at all. I’m ready for a war and fight the fight of my life.”

Lopez could thank trainer Henry Ramirez for being the rock throughout his career. Although Andy Suarez was the lead trainer for Lopez until he passed away about six years ago, Lopez did not lose a beat due to the consistency and hard word ethic Ramirez placed Lopez under.

“He’s brutally honest and he definitely expresses what he thinks and feels.”

Aside from his boxing skills, Lopez could rely on his ability to overcome adversity in his personal life.

Having to overcome the loss of important men in his life like Suarez and his father being incarcerated has made Lopez become a responsible man.

Lopez has lost questionable decisions that some members of the media thought he did enough to win. Despite the challenges he has faced, Lopez was able to solidify through his performances as a top fighter in the 140 or 147 pound division.

While some think that he is biting off more than he could choose by fighting at the highest weight against a fighter who has demonstrated power at the weight.

Then again, Lopez heard the same thing when he faced Ortiz. He takes it all with a grain of salt.

“I know that the odds are against me. However, this is what I’ve wanted since I was a little kid. This is perfect for me because I don’t want it any other way.”

“Lately, I’ve visualized myself doing what I need to do to win. I’ve overcome adversity to reach this moment. I’m ready to mix it up. I’m ready to shock the world and make history.”

A victory over “Canelo” Alvarez would be the lightning that struck twice by Lopez. Then again, would anyone be surprised that he was able to pull it off?