The Westgate Warrior was down three times in the fight at York Hall in London before being counted out in the seventh round as he tried to get up from a body shot.
It was a first defeat of his career for Morecambe’s Lowe, with Lopez’s stunning display meaning he is now the mandatory challenger to new IBF World featherweight champion Kiko Martinez.
With Tyson Fury ringside supporting his friend, there was a shock moments after the opening bell with Lowe down inside 15 seconds from a Lopez left hook, the first meaningful punch of the fight.
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Andy Lee-trained Lowe came firing back though in a thrilling first round as he battled for survival.
The 27-year-old, who had won 21 and drawn three of his previous 24 fights, was however down again in the second round thanks to a big overhand right from the visitor, known for his power punching.
The resort’s former Commonwealth champion was not backing down though and showed real heart, and no shortage of work rate, to try and take the fight to Lopez and turn the tide over 12 rounds.
He boxed well and landed several good shots, but could not make a dent in the highly-touted Mexican who headed home with his sights set firmly on world honours.
The end came in the seventh, a perfectly placed body shot felling Lowe for a third time right in his corner. The WBC International champion tried to rise to his feet but was counted out with the fight waved off.
While a shot at a world title will have to wait, Lowe will have won plenty of fans with a brave display.
In a statement on social media, Lowe said: “I am absolutely heartbroken to suffer my first defeat in a fight that was a massive fight for me.
“I’m not going to sit here and go on about it and moan. The first two knockdowns changed the fight as then I had to start moving forward and the gameplan went out of the window.
“I got into a dogfight, I didn’t stick to the gameplan and listen to Andy.
“I showed I have heart and it was a great fight for the fans.
“I will definitely be back, it’s only just the start. I will become world champion.
“A massive well done to Lopez, I just hope the doubters can see and respect me for the heart I showed.”