Re: Danny 'Little Red' Lopez ~ Career
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Bill Paxtom
~ The Skinny ~
After Pat 'Papa' O'Grady signed this contract on January 11, 1976 > he went back to
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
He had Sean fight '2' more times at the 'Red Carpet Inn' in Oklahoma City.
* January 20, 1976 ....... KO 1 .... Ken Conners ~ 3-2-0 {0 KO's}
* February 3, 1976 ....... KO 1 ..... Luis Martinez ~ 5-4-0 {2 KO's}
Sean had turned {Age; 18} on February 10th.
Sean now had a record of 29-0-0 {25 KO's}. The O'Grady's were scheduled to arrive in
Los Angles on Monday ~ February 16th for 8-Days of Training at the Main Street Gym for
the bout on Wednesday ~ February 25th.
Pat O'Grady had signed a Fight Weight contract, which stipulated a 'maximum' weight of
125 lbs. The insiders stated that Sean would probably be at 122 lbs. and would be giving
up at least a few pounds to Danny Lopez.
At 5' 9 1/4" > Sean O'Grady looked as frail as a 'weak-legged' just born Fawn.
As for a Fight Purse, Pat O'Grady got an 'up-front' fee of $5000 for Sean. Plus > 20% of
the Gate Receipts, which were expected to reach near $100,000.
Pat 'Papa' O'Grady >
They are concerned that I'm putting Sean in the Ring for a couple of bouts, before coming
back out to California.
Look, it will cost me {$200 a Week} to get somebody to spar with Sean. I'd rather put him
in the Ring, where he can make a few Hundred Dollars, while also getting a good work-out.
Re: Danny 'Little Red' Lopez ~ Career
Wednesday ~ February 25, 1976
The Forum ~ Inglewood, California
Promoter .............. Don Fraser
Attendance ........... 7894
Gate Receipts ....... $98,000
Danny 'Little Red' Lopez - 28-3-0 {27 KO's} ~ 5' 7 1/2" ~ 126 lbs. ~ Reach; 70" ~ {Age; 23 years, 7 months}
vs.
Sean O'Grady 'The Green Machine' - 29-0-0 {25 KO's} ~ 5' 9 1/4" ~ 123 lbs. ~ Reach; 70" ~ {Age; 18 years, 0 months}
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ The Skinny ~
Danny Lopez had opened up as a {10-7} Betting-Favorite when this bout was announced back on
January 11th.
Danny was now listed as an overwhelming {8-1} Betting-Favorite.
Sean O'Grady, who had been sparring at the Main Street Gym for 8-Days, had displayed fine hand-speed
and good boxing skills. But at {5' 9 1/4"}, he looked frail {beyond belief} and lacked any real strength
during the sparring sessions.
The Boxing Pundits did agree that Sean O'Grady's fast-hands and quick-footwork will give Danny Lopez
some trouble for a few Rounds. But, Lopez' power will take over after a couple of Rounds.
Pat 'Papa' O'Grady >
Look, I know that we can't out-punch Danny Lopez and win. But Sean can out-box him by using fast-punches
and movement.
We'll see where we are at after the 5th Round. I told Sean that he has to take this fight into the 6th or 7th Round
to win. We can out-box Lopez down the stretch and maybe edge out a 10-Round Decision.
Fight Purses
Danny Lopez > $6500 {Up Front Guarantee} + 20% of the Gate Receipts = $26,100
Sean O'Grady > $5000 {Up Front Guarantee} + 20% of the Gate Receipts = $24,600
Re: Danny 'Little Red' Lopez ~ Career
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Bill Paxtom
Wednesday ~ February 25, 1976
The Forum ~ Inglewood, California
Promoter .............. Don Fraser
Attendance ........... 7894
Gate Receipts ....... $98,000
Danny 'Little Red' Lopez - 28-3-0 {27 KO's} ~ 5' 7 1/2" ~ 126 lbs. ~ Reach; 70" ~ {Age; 23 years, 7 months}
vs.
Sean O'Grady 'The Green Machine' - 29-0-0 {25 KO's} ~ 5' 9 1/4" ~ 123 lbs. ~ Reach; 70" ~ {Age; 18 years, 0 months}
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ The Skinny ~
Danny Lopez had opened up as a {10-7} Betting-Favorite when this bout was announced back on
January 11th.
Danny was now listed as an overwhelming {8-1} Betting-Favorite.
Sean O'Grady, who had been sparring at the Main Street Gym for 8-Days, had displayed fine hand-speed
and good boxing skills. But at {5' 9 1/4"}, he looked frail {beyond belief} and lacked any real strength
during the sparring sessions.
Fight Purses
Danny Lopez > $6500 {Up Front Guarantee} + 20% of the Gate Receipts = $26,100
Sean O'Grady > $5000 {Up Front Guarantee} + 20% of the Gate Receipts = $24,600
~ 'Little Red' Logs Kayo, But It Didn't Come Easy ~
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In Round 1, Sean O'Grady displayed a smart 'hit-and-run' tactic, by firing in fast left-jabs and an occasional
right-hand lead to keep Danny off-balance by using quick movement.
In Round 2, Sean continued to employ the same strategy, as he completely 'baffled' Danny with good movement
and fast hands. Danny was caught 'flat-footed' and was ineffective with any of his counters. By the {2:00 Mark}
Sean was putting in a good 'spirited-effort', as he was willing to move in and take punches from Danny.
Sean also opened up a 'small-cut' over Danny's right-eye, when he caught him with a fast right-hand lead.
But late in the Round, Sean got a little too 'brazen', and he tried to take Danny out after 'tagging him' with a jarring
right-hand the jaw. But Danny 'cleared out', and came back with a strong-rally over the last 15-Seconds of Round 2
to put Sean back out-side and moving.
In Round 3, Danny started to work the body as he moved in close. Then Sean made the 'foolish' mistake of trying
to trade with Danny, and he got 'ruffled up' pretty good during the middle-session of the Round.
By the end of Round 3, it was obvious that Sean didn't have the strength to keep Danny off of him. And his punches
now lacked steam.
In Round 4 it was all Danny Lopez, as nearly chased Sean 'out-of-the-ring'. Danny came in by firing a series of
'lefts-and-rights' to both the head and body. By the {2:00 Mark}, Sean had run out room and was getting beaten
up pretty good along the Ring perimeter.
Then Danny poured it on, and had Sean 'reeling' along the Ropes as he was pummeling him with hard 'left-right'
combinations to the head.
At the {2:45 Mark}, Danny drove Sean into his own corner and thumped in a 'salvo-of-punches' to the head as
Sean looked defenseless.
At the {2:58 Mark} > Pat 'Papa' O'Grady threw a towel in the Ring from his Corner, and it landed over Danny Lopez'
head.
Referee - John Thomas called the bout over as the Bell rang ending Round 4.
Re: Danny 'Little Red' Lopez ~ Career
~ Lopez Is Step Closer ~
~ Danny Lopez Scores 4th Round TKO Over Teenager - Sean O'Grady ~
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~ After Bout Comments ~
Danny Lopez >
Give that kid {Sean O'Grady} 5-Years, and he is going to be an excellent fighter. He has great natural skills.
He took the fight to me for 2 1/2 Rounds, and he really gave me trouble.
Pat 'Papa' O'Grady >
I told you my kid could fight. That was '4' of most exciting Rounds I ever saw from a young fighter.
Sean O'Grady >
I was doing so well for the first 2-Rounds. Then I lost my head in the 3rd Round. I thought that I could
have taken him out. I should have stayed with my fight-plan, and boxed him for a few more Rounds.
Don Fraser {Fight Promoter} >
The kid put up one Hell-of-a-Fight. I told him that we would bring him back here in the Summer. He needs
a little more experience. But 'WOW', for an 18 year-old Teenager he can sure fight.
Pat 'Papa' O'Grady >
Sean lost his head in the 3rd-Round. He wanted to score a Knockout, instead of going for the distance win.
Chalk it up to experience. 'Little Red' was just too strong for Sean.
Sean O'Grady >
I got too eager in there. He was so easy to hit, that I thought I could get him in trouble in Round 3. But he
'baited-me-in', and he really hit hard to my body. Still, I never went down. Nobody has ever floored me yet.
Pat 'Papa' O'Grady >
All I have been hearing is that I never put Sean in the Ring with anybody good. I kept hearing over and over
that everyone of his '29' previous opponents were 'nobodies'. Well, I had to put him in the Ring with a 'monster'
like Danny Lopez. I had to show the 'experts' that my kid could fight. Now they will shut up, because my kid
fought a great fight. Despite losing, he gained a lot of respect from everybody.
Don Fraser {Fight Promoter} >
I want Sean to come back here and fight as a Bantamweight in the Summer {1976}. He's good, but he's not
ready for the Featherweight Division just yet. We'll get him a fight at 122 lbs., if he can't get down to 118 lbs.
Re: Danny 'Little Red' Lopez ~ Career
Wednesday ~ April 28, 1976
The Forum ~ Inglewood, California
Danny Lopez - 29-3-0 {28 KO's} ~ 126 1/2 lbs. ~ 5' 7 1/2" ~ {Age; 23 years, 9 months}
vs.
Octavio 'Famoso' Gomez - 58-9-6 {31 KO's} ~ 127 lbs. ~ 5' 4" ~ {Age; 29 years, 5 months}
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ The Skinny ~
Another bout billed as a WBC Eliminator. Promoter - Don Fraser has stated that he will bring
WBC Champion - David 'Poison' Kotey here in the Summer to defend his Title against the
winner of this bout.
The fighters signed for this bout on March 18, 1976.
Danny Lopez, who last fought 2-months earlier {February 25th}. In that bout, Danny showed
an awesome display of power, and stopped 'undefeated' teenager Sean O'Grady by a {TKO 4}.
'Little Red' says that he is ready for the cagey veteran, who had beaten him easily by a 10-Round
Decision 14-Months earlier.
Octavio 'Famoso' Gomez has moved up to the #1 WBC Featherweight.
'Famoso' had 'upset' Danny Lopez back on January 18, 1975. The cagey veteran has gone 8-1-0 {1 KO}
in his last 9-Bouts, which have included wins over the following Top 10 Featherweights.
* Danny Lopez
* Art Hafey
* Bert Nabalatan
* Rafael Herrera
* Fel Clemente
* Jose Torres
In his last bout, 'Famoso' stopped {TKO 7} highly-touted Thai-fighter - Sak Lempthong on March 19th.
Re: Danny 'Little Red' Lopez ~ Career
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Bill Paxtom
Wednesday ~ April 28, 1976
The Forum ~ Inglewood, California
Danny Lopez - 29-3-0 {28 KO's} ~ 126 1/2 lbs. ~ 5' 7 1/2" ~ {Age; 23 years, 9 months}
vs.
Octavio 'Famoso' Gomez - 58-9-6 {31 KO's} ~ 127 lbs. ~ 5' 4" ~ {Age; 29 years, 5 months}
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ The Skinny ~
Another bout billed as a WBC Eliminator. Promoter - Don Fraser has stated that he will bring
WBC Champion - David 'Poison' Kotey here in the Summer to defend his Title against the
winner of this bout.
The fighters signed for this bout on March 18, 1976.
Danny Lopez, who last fought 2-months earlier {February 25th}. In that bout, Danny showed
an awesome display of power, and stopped 'undefeated' teenager Sean O'Grady by a {TKO 4}.
'Little Red' says that he is ready for the cagey veteran, who had beaten him easily by a 10-Round
Decision 14-Months earlier.
Octavio 'Famoso' Gomez has moved up to the #1 WBC Featherweight.
'Famoso' had 'upset' Danny Lopez back on January 18, 1975. The cagey veteran has gone 8-1-0 {1 KO}
in his last 9-Bouts, which have included wins over the following Top 10 Featherweights.
* Danny Lopez
* Art Hafey
* Bert Nabalatan
* Rafael Herrera
* Fel Clemente
* Jose Torres
In his last bout, 'Famoso' stopped {TKO 7} highly-touted Thai-fighter - Sak Lempthong on March 19th.
~ Lopez Eyes Vengeance, Seeks Title Shot ~
Danny 'Little Red' Lopez seeks vengeance over Octavio 'Famoso' Gomez who handily defeated him by a
lopsided 10-Rond Decision 14-Months earlier.
'Little Red', who is ranked below 'Gomez, has been listed as a slight Betting-Favorite at {7-5}.
Both fighters are guaranteed $20,000 or 25% of the Gate Receipts for Wednesday Night's bout.
Danny Lopez is ranked as the #6 WBC Featherweight.
Octavio 'Famoso' Gomez is ranked as the #1 WBC and #2 WBA Featherweight.
Benny Giorgino {Fight Manager and Odds-Maker} >
It is a 'Pick-Em' fight. The Odds are 'Even' here. If Octavio can get by the 4th Round, he'll do a
number on Danny, just like the last time they fought.
Danny Lopez >
The last time we fought, I was going through some bad times, and I wasn't at all focused. I was
just going through the motions. I guess I just wasn't experienced enough.
I plan to go fast and right at him. I won't let him get away this time.
Octavio 'Famoso' Gomez >
They have this bout as an WBC Elimination bout, but it is scheduled for 10-Rounds. I would have
preferred it to be 12-Rounds, as I am a boxer and not a puncher. The more Rounds, the better
for me.
I beat him easily before, and I'll do it again. I just want a Title bout, and soon. I'm not sure why
I have to fight in an Eliminator Bout when I'm the Top-Ranked Featherweight. But the $20,000
Fight Purse guarantee was too much to pass up.
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Re: Danny 'Little Red' Lopez ~ Career
Wednesday ~ April 28, 1976
The Forum ~ Inglewood, California
Attendance .......... 7600
Gate Receipts ...... $78,000
~ 'Little Red' Kayo's Octavio Gomez In 3 ~
~ Lopez Rips Foe In Coast Bout ~
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Re: Danny 'Little Red' Lopez ~ Career
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Bill Paxtom
~ Lopez Scores 3rd Round Kayo Over Gomez ~
~ 'Little Red' Avenges Defeat To Gomez 15-Months Earlier ~
This bout was a 'Pick-Em' bout when first announced on March 18th. One-Week before the bout,
Danny Lopez was a 'slight-favorite' at {7-5}. But by fight night, the Lopez supporters had put
'Little Red' as a {2-1} Betting-Favorite.
'Favored' Danny Lopez took command from the out-set and put heavy-pressure on the cagey
29 year-old veteran Octavio 'Famoso' Gomez. From the 'get-go', Lopez had the 'nifty-veteran'
figured out this time.
Gomez did use his clever skills and unorthodox-style to avoid the early attack by Danny Lopez.
But by the {2:00 Mark} the Mexican was starting to wilt.
Danny used his pulverizing right-hand to stun the over-matched Gomez, when he delivered a
punch to the veterans 'heart' at the {2:15 Mark}. Danny then battered Gomez to the right-side
Ropes by catching him with '2' hard right-hand leads to the head, that drove the veteran Mexican
scampering backwards.
In Round 2, 'Little Red' continued with pressure, and delivered a series of 'left-and-right' hands to
the upper-body, that had Gomez in trouble throughout.
By the {1:30 Mark}, Gomez had slowed down noticeably and was now flat-footed. Danny continued
with his relentless pursuit of his 'older foe'. After receiving a hard combination to the body late in
the Round, Gomez dropped his hands and turned away in pain, then after a few-seconds he put
up his guard and backed away.
In Round 3, it was all Lopez as he hammered the over-matched Mexican with hard-punches.
Danny caught Gomez with a 'jarring' right-hand to the head, followed by a flurry of lefts-and-rights
that sent the Mexican reeling. Then Danny stepped in a delivered a solid left-hook to the head,
and came back with a 'sizzling' right-cross to the jaw.
Gomez then collapsed to the canvas and rolled on his stomach. He lay there as he was counted out
by Referee - Dick Young at {1:15} of Round 3.
Each fighter received a Fight Purse of $20,000.
Danny Lopez >
This was kind of a revenge bout for me, as Octavio really 'embarrassed' me last time we fought.
But now, I'm a much better fighter.
Now it's time for David 'Poison' Kotey. We're hoping to get him here in June or July. He has 'one'
more Title Defense lined up against {Shig Fukuyama}. He should win that bout, then I'm next.
I think I can 'Knockout' David Kotey, and win the Title. I've seen him fight, and I think that I
can knock him out early. I have to put a lot of pressure on him early, and not let him get into
his rhythm.
My best chance to win the Title is by an early knockout. He is a very good athlete who has
tremendous physical abilities, and that will be the hurdle to overcome. He gets better as
the fight goes on, and he would be really tough over the 2nd-Half of a bout.
Re: Danny 'Little Red' Lopez ~ Career
Danny Lopez Scores KO 3 Over Octavio 'Famoso' Gomez ~
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Re: Danny 'Little Red' Lopez ~ Career
June 29, 1976
~ Art Hafey and Danny Lopez Sign For WBC Eliminator ~
~ Hafey and Lopez, Both Predict Knockouts ~
~ Bout Set for August 6th, Winner Gets Title Bout ~
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Re: Danny 'Little Red' Lopez ~ Career
Danny Lopez vs. Art Hafey
Set for Friday ~ August 6, 1976
The Forum ~ Inglewood, California
Promoter ..... Don Fraser
Danny 'Little Red' Lopez - 30-3-0 {29 KO's} ~ 5' 7 1/2" ~ 126 lbs. ~ Reach; 70" ~ Age; 24 years, 1 month}
vs.
Art 'Toy Tiger' Hafey - 53-7-4 {36 KO's} ~ 5' 3" ~ 126 lbs. ~ Reach; 63" ~ Age; 25 years, 7 months}
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ The Skinny ~
This bout is scheduled for 12-Rounds, and is billed as a WBC Elimination Bout.
The winner will get to Challenge WBC Featherweight Champion - David Kotey in the Fall.
The bout is also billed as a 'Sudden Death Bout'. Meaning that if the bout is 'All Even' after 12-Rounds,
and additional Round will be added.
Both fighters will receive a Fight Purse Guarantee of $25,000 or 30% of the Gate Receipts {whichever is larger}.
Both fighters received $4000 in up-front Training Expenses on June 29, 1976.
Art Hafey is ranked as the #1 WBC and #3 WBA Featherweight.
Danny Lopez is ranked as the #2 WBC and #4 WBA Featherweight.
Re: Danny 'Little Red' Lopez ~ Career
July 28, 1976
~ Danny Lopez vs. Art Hafey ~
Don Fraser {Fight Promoter} >
We're expecting 9500 in attendance, and with a Gate of $110,000. Both of these boys will
receive $30,000 and some, just from the {the house} alone.
With the Closed Circuit Broadcast, they could each net another $20,000. They deserve it, as
both are the Top Featherweights in the Division.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Benny Giorgino {Los Angles Boxing Odds-Maker} >
When these guys first signed up for this bout back on June 21st, I had the bout as 'Even'. It was
a Pick-Em bout. But now, Danny has edged ahead as a {10-7} Betting-Favorite.
I'm seeing more money on Danny now. It will probably drop to {10-6} in another day or so.
By fight night, Danny may have moved even further up as the favorite.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jose Sulaiman {WBC President} >
This is an Elimination bout. WBC Champion - David Kotey must fight the winner of the bout. He must
'sign' a fight contract within 30-Days, and defend his Title within the appropriate time frame.
We are hoping for a WBC Championship Bout to be set for November 1976.
Re: Danny 'Little Red' Lopez ~ Career
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Bill Paxtom
July 28, 1976
~ Danny Lopez vs. Art Hafey ~
Don Fraser {Fight Promoter} >
We expect a Gate of $110,000. Both of these boys will receive $30,000 and some, just from
the {the house} alone.
With the Closed Circuit Broadcast, they could each net another $20,000. They deserve it, as
both are the Top Featherweights in the Division.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Benny Giorgino {Los Angles Boxing Odds-Maker} >
When these guys first signed up for this bout back on June 29th, I had the bout as 'Even'. It was
a Pick-Em bout. But now, Danny has edged ahead as a {10-7} Betting-Favorite.
I'm seeing more money on Danny now. It will probably drop to {10-6} in another day or so.
By fight night, Danny may have moved even further up as the favorite.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jose Sulaiman {WBC President} >
This is an Elimination bout. WBC Champion - David Kotey must fight the winner of the bout. He must
'sign' a fight contract within 30-Days, and defend his Title within the appropriate time frame.
We are hoping for a WBC Championship Bout to be set for November 1976.
~ More Skinny ~
Joe Olmos {Chairman if the California State Boxing Commission >
Both fighters have waived the 12-Round contract, and have agreed to fight a 'Sudden Death' 13th Round.
If the bout is 'even' on the Scorecards after 12-Rounds, they will go more '1' more Round.
We must have a winner. If the bout is still 'Even' after the 13th Round, Art Hafey will retain
his #1 WBC Ranking and will be the next fighter to challenge WBC Featherweight Champion - David Kotey.
Rich Roberts {Sportswriter} >
This bout is a real toss-up. But I think that Art Hafey will edge it out. Probably by 1-Point over 12-Rounds.
Danny Lopez >
I expect a real war in there. This will be my 'toughest' fight of my career. I will win by Knockout, but
I won't predict a Round.
Howie Steindler {Manager for Danny Lopez} >
There is no denying, Danny Lopez is the most exciting fighter out there. Nobody can take his right-hand
now. He has developed into a complete and devastating 'offensive machine'.
Burke Emery {Manager for Art Hafey} >
I'm not worried about this 'Sudden Death Round'. It will never happen. This bout will be over by the
5th Round, with my guy winning.
Art Hafey >
We are the 'two' hardest hitting guys in the Featherweight Division {outside of Alexis Arguello}. I find it
hard to think that the bout will go the distance. Nobody wants it to go to the Scorecards. Both us will
be looking for the Knockout. But I'm the one who will win. I'll knock him out in the 7th Round.
Re: Danny 'Little Red' Lopez ~ Career
~ Bobby Chacon Leans Toward Danny Lopez Over Art Hafey ~
Former Featherweight Champion - Bobby Chacon said that he wasn't picking a winner, but he
had to lean towards Danny Lopez in his bout with Art Hafey of Nova Scotia.
Bobby had offered up his services as a sparring-partner for Art Hafey in his preparation for his
bot with Danny Lopez.
Bobby Chacon >
I sparred with Art Hafey for 8-Days straight. 3-Rounds per Session. He was a little sluggish on the
1st-Day, but he got better with each sparring-session.
He {Art Hafey} is a good-hitter, but he is going to have a real problem with Danny's height and
reach. This is a real contrast in styles. A tall power-puncher {Lopez} against a short slugger {Hafey}.
The problem, is that Art will have to take a lot of punches to get in close. He's tough, but he may
take punches 'flush' as he is coming in.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ The Skinny ~
Two-days before the bout, Danny Lopez was listed as a {10-6} Betting-Favorite.
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