It was a close fight from the get-go, in which both pugs traded blows. The 25-year-old Lopez got the upper hand when he dropped Alvarez with the right hook.
Alvarez, however, recovered and continued to fight on. Alvarez took over the fight in the middle rounds and scored points that made up for the knockdown.
The fight was still up for grabs and both fighters fought competitively up until the final round.
Two judges scored it 95-94 and 97-92 in favor of Lopez, while one judge saw it differently and scored it 95-94 for the 33-year-old Alvarez.
With the win, Lopez won the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) Continental bantamweight belt.
The Nicaraguan is a step closer to a world title show following the victory. He’s currently ranked No. 5 in the WBA, the World Boxing Organization, and International Boxing Federation. (EKA)