BOXING : Fuentes Replaces Lopez, Fights Avendano in WBO Title Bout

On a card that could have been billed “Vacancies,” Acapulco’s Fidel Avendano takes on Sammy Fuentes of Hermosa Beach tonight at the Forum for the World Boxing Organization’s junior-welterweight title.

The boxers are vying for the 140-pound championship left vacant by Zack Padilla after he was diagnosed with a small blood clot on his brain and suspended by the California Athletic Commission.

Glendale’s Hector Lopez was set to fight Avendano for the vacated title, but had to pull out last week after twisting an ankle while sparring with local champion Genaro Hernandez.

Fuentes (29-13-1, 25 KOs) was named to replace Lopez against Avendano (42-4, 24 KOs), and Lopez has agreed to face tonight’s winner in 60 to 90 days.

In a 12-round preliminary, flyweight Mark Johnson (21-1, 14 KOs) of Washington defends his Penta Continental title against Leon Salazar (20-4-1, 15 KOs).

Johnson, ranked No. 2 by the World Boxing Council, has won 20 consecutive fights.

Preliminaries start at 7:15 p.m.