THE SIDELINES : Lopez to Defend Title in Sacramento

Tony Lopez of the United States will defend his International Boxing Federation world super-featherweight title against Britain’s Jim McDonnell in Sacramento on Oct. 7, it was announced today.

McDonnell, who pushed himself into the world rankings with his upset defeat of Barry McGuigan in May, will be making his second attempt at a world title. He lost last November to World Boxing Assn. champion Brian Mitchell of South Africa, the Londoner’s only reverse in 26 fights.

Lopez, 26, has a 33-fight unbeaten record; he rarely fights outside his native California.