 In recognition to his performance during 2008, López received numerous recognitions including "Athlete of the Year" awards from "Primera Hora" and the "Museo del Deporte de Puerto Rico", in addition he was included in a list titled "Los pioneros del año" published by "El Nuevo Día", which discussed the year's most notorious public figures.On February 10, 2009, Golden Boy Promotions' vice president, Eric Gómez, confirmed that López's first mandatory defense would be against Peñalosa.The event was held on April 25, 2009, being dubbed "Campeón vs.Campeón", emphasizing that both boxers were champions entering the contest.