‘The Destroyer’ returns to Southern Arizona

It’s been almost a year and a half since David “The Destroyer” Lopez last fought on his home turf.

That wait will end next week.

The popular local boxer headlines the card at Desert Diamond Casino Aug. 1. Lopez (35-12 22, KOs) is scheduled to take on Samuel Miller (18-2, 15 KOs) out of Colombia in a middleweight showdown.

Insiders have labeled Miller a top Colombian fighter who’s on the verge of breaking out. He’ll battle Lopez — who has had great success in the last few years, winning his last 11 bouts and 17 of his last 18.

Also returning to the Diamond Center is Mexico’s Jhonny Gonzalez (38-6, 32 KOs) who’s currently ranked third by the WBA and sixth by the WBO. He’s facing fellow Mexican and former world title challenger, Fernando Beltran Jr. (30-3-1, 18 KOs).

The co-main televised event will feature former Olympic gold medalist, Yan Barthelemy (6-0) and Dominican Republic’s Edison Morillo (12-5-2, 1 KO).

On the undercard

Craig McEwan (11-0, 7 KOs), a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, will be making his fifth appearance at Desert Diamond Casino.

Puerto Rico’s Hector Sanchez (14-0, 5 KOs) was named two-time Puerto Rican National Amateur Champion and the 2000 Junior Olympic bronze medalist.

Jonathan Oquendo (14-2, 9 KOs), who TKO’d Andrews Ledesma in the Floyd Mayweather Jr. versus Ricky Hatton undercard, will be returning to the Diamond Center, along with 17-year-old Hylon Williams (2-0 1 KO), who is a former 2007 National Golden Gloves Champion.

Rounding out the card is former Jr. Olympics Bronze medalist, Jermell Charlo (3-0 2 KOs).

Desert Diamond Casino again teams up with Golden Boy Promotions for the event. Doors open at 4 p.m. with the first bout starting at approximately 4:30 p.m.

Select fights will be televised on TeleFutura.

Tickets are on sale now and range from $40 to $125 in advance.

They can be purchased at any Ticketmaster location, by calling 321-1000, by contacting the Desert Diamond Casino Box Office or by visiting www.desertdiamondcasino.com.

For more information, visit www.desertdiamondcasino.com or call 866-DDC-WINS.

Check the Aug. 1 edition of the Green Valley News for a full fight card preview.

nprevenas@gvnews.com | 547-9747