Junior Lopez
Striking Coach
Junior Lopez is a seasoned professional boxing trainer and the founder/owner of JL Boxing Academy in Glendale, Arizona (Phoenix metro area). With more than 15 years of experience training professional fighters, he has established himself as one of the top respected coaches in the Arizona boxing scene, known for developing talent at all levels—from kids to professional contenders to World Champions.
Lopez brings deep roots in boxing to his academy. He has worked closely with world-class fighters and top camps, highlighted by collaborations as a main trainer with the Benavidez team. Notable fighters he has trained and worked with include:
Jose Benavidez Jr. (WBO World Champion)
David Benavidez (multiple-time WBC World Champion)
Diego Pacheco
Jesse Magdaleno (WBO World Champion)
Robert "Tito" Manzanarez
Cris Cyborg (WIBA World Champion, StrikeForce, Invicta, Bellator, PFL, and UFC World Champion)
And others such as Jose Rayo Valenzuela, Diego Magdaleno, Francy Ntetu, Denis Douglin, Yolanda "Pitayita" Vega, and the Tellez Sisters, Gabriella "Sosa" and Reina.
Lopez has a deep pride and sense of purpose in building the community around him, giving kids opportunities in life to do more, emphasizing hard-work, goal-orientation, elite mentality, and respect. This environment he has created is for athletes of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels, having helped hundreds of kids find purpose, love, and passion within sport. JL Boxing Academy focuses on technical skill development, self-defense, fitness, and building strong character.
Lopez is a family man who prioritizes work ethic, community, and family. His son, Julian Lopez, is an ex-amateur boxer who trains and coaches alongside him, continuing the family legacy. The academy is praised for its dedicated coaching staff and championship results, helping professional fighters achieve greatness in the ring, while also helping students conquer personal fitness goals, competitive success, and life skills.
Often highlighted is the gym's supportive atmosphere, effective training methods, and tangible improvements in technique, confidence, and ring-presence. Junior Lopez continues to run JL Boxing Academy as a hub for professional fighters from all over the world, traveling to the desert to train with Lopez in order to prepare for world championship fights; while also attracting aspiring boxers and fitness enthusiasts from all over the Valley, blending high-level professional experience with accessible, community-driven training. Lopez has now crossed over into the world of MMA, training top-American prospects like Austin Clayton and Forrest Molinari, ready to show he trains the best fighters in the world in both disciplines.
Website: www.jlboxingacademy.com
Instagram: @jlboxingacademy @lopezjr81
Phone: (602) 383-4077
Email: lopezjr1981@gmail.com
