Danny 'Little Red' Lopez ~ Career

[Bill Paxtom]

Thursday ~ April 24, 1975

~ 'Little Red' Lopez Scores 2nd Round Knockout ~

~ Lopez Regains Lethal Power And Stops 'Chucho' Castillo In Two ~

Danny Lopez scored a short and dramatic Knockout over former World Bantamweight Champion
Jesus 'Chucho' Castillo in Round 2.

The action was rough-and-wild after the Opening Bell, as both fighters went toe-to-toe at
Center-Ring to a thrilled crowd at the Olympic Auditorium.

Castillo seemed to have a slight-edge in the exchanges, but at the {1:50 Mark}, Lopez leaned
in hard, and 'accidentally' head-butted Castillo square on the forehead.

'Chucho' was hurt and turned slightly. Lopez then unleashed with a series of lefts-and-rights,
and Castillo took a knee at the {2:02 Mark}, where he took a 'Mandatory 8-Count' from Referee
John Thomas.

The former Bantamweight Champion was able to use his experience to scamper away from the
hard-pressing Lopez over the last 50-Seconds of the Round to escape.

In Round 2, Danny came out fast, and went right after 'Chucho'. After tagging Castillo with a
'jarring' left-right to the head, Danny came back with a pin-point straight right-hand to the chin,
and 'Chucho' went down at the {0:36 Mark}.

Castillo was up at the '4-Count', and was ready to continue. Lopez then moved in, and raked over
his out-matched opponent with a non-stop attack of lefts-and-rights.

'Chucho' did his best to stay up, but he was in survival-mode as he was driven all over the Ring
for the next 2-Minutes by the hard-charging Lopez.

Late in the Round, Lopez hammered Castillo to the front-Ropes, and staggered him with a jolting
right-hand to the head. Then Lopez rained in a series of 'lefts-and-rights', and dropped Castillo at the
{2:52 Mark}.

Castillo was up at the '7-Count' but was too dazed to continue. Referee - John Thomas waved
the bout over at the {3:00 Mark}, just as the Bell sounded ending Round 2.

~ After Bout Comments ~

Danny Lopez >
I needed to win, and in a big way. I had to show everybody that I'm not through, despite
my '3' losses. I had to win, and be impressive. Another loss, and I think I would have quit.

I went after him {Jesus 'Chucho' Castillo} fast just like I said. Once I hurt him, it was just
a matter of time in setting him up, and delivering a few solid combinations. He was badly
hurt and defenseless at the end of Round 2.

Jesus 'Chucho' Castillo>
I was doing well in the 1st-Round, and was beating Danny to the punch. Then he leaned in
hard, and head-butted me in the forehead. It hurt real bad, and I was groggy. I had to take
a knee to get my senses back.

I never recovered from the head-butt. With Danny, you have to get in close to hit him. He's
really tall and has long arms, and you can't fight him from the outside where he has the range.
When I was in close, I was doing a number on him, and then he head-butted me.

[Bill Paxtom]

Danny 'Little Red' Lopez

Many of the Boxing Pundits still recognize Danny's {2-Round} destruction {TKO 2} over
former World Bantamweight Champion - Jesus 'Chucho' Castillo on April 19, 1975 as one
his most devastating performances.

Reasons

Jesus 'Chucho' Castillo was supposed to be a strong test and a difficult opponent for Danny,
despite being nearly 31 years-old.

'Chucho' had just come off {7-Months earlier} an impressive 10-Round Decision over the
highly-touted and #6 WBA Featherweight - Rafael Ortega of Panama.

Also, 'Chucho' was extremely durable. Despite being an aged veteran {30 years, 10 months},
the 13-year veteran had only been stopped 'once' since June 1966 {8+ years and '37-bouts'}.

And that was by a {TKO 10} to future World Featherweight Champion - Bobby Chacon in
a highly-competitive bout back on April 28, 1973.

[Bill Paxtom]

April 26, 1975

WBC Featherweight Rankings

*** Bobby Chacon
#1 . Alexis Arguello {WBA Champion}
#2 . Ruben Olivares
#3 . David Kotey
#4 . Royal Kobayashi
#5 . Octavio 'Famoso' Gomez
#6 . Art Hafey
#7 . Rosalio Muro
#8 . Elio Cotena
#9 . Vicente Blanco
#10. Fel Clemente
#11. Shig Fukuyama
#12. Danny Lopez

According to reports from the Olympic Boxing Club, Danny 'Little Red' Lopez was going to move up
130 lbs. and compete as a Junior Lightweight.

Harry Kabakoff said that he had put in an offer of $75,000 to Sam Inchonise, the Manager of
WBA Super-Featherweight Chanpion - Ben Villafor.

The proposal, was for a bout to take place in September 1975 in either Hawaii or Los Angeles.

Ben Villafor was recovering from an injury to his right-eye {detached retina} suffered in his
successful Title Defense bout with Hyun-Chi Kim on March 14th, 1975.

[Bill Paxtom]

Saturday ~ July 26, 1975

Olympic Auditorium ~ Los Angeles, California

Promoter ........ Aileen Eaton

Danny Lopez - 25-3-0 {24 KO's} ~ 126 3/4 lbs. ~ 5' 7 1/2" ~ {Age; 23 years, 0 months}
vs.
Raul Cruz - 43-15-2 {30 KO's} ~ 126 1/2 lbs. ~ 5' 3 1/2" ~ {Age; 28 years, 3 months}
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ The Skinny ~

This bout was being billed as a Featherweight Eliminator.

Both fighters signed contracts on Wednesday ~ July 16th. So both had ample time to
prepare.

Raul Cruz {Mexico City} was a solidly-built 'fire-plug'. Raul was an experienced 10-Year
Professional, who was a hard power-puncher that carried explosive power both in his
left hook-uppercut and right-cross.

The Mexican City Bomber was billed as having records of >
* 48-11-0 {35 KO's} and 43-11-1 {30 KO's}

Raul was coming of an 'upset' 10-Round Decision win over highly-regarded Joe Medrano
3-months earlier {April 10, 1975}.

On his ledger, Raul had scored wins over '4' World Champions >
* July 26, 1969 ............. W Dec 10 .. Rafael Herrera
* October 17, 1969 ....... W Dec 12 .. Jesus 'Chucho' Castillo
* February 23, 1970 ...... KO 7 ......... Alfredo Marcano
* May 16, 1970 ..............KO 4 ......... Lionel Rose

Raul Cruz had been ranked as high as >
1969 ... #3 Bantamweight
1970 ... #4 Featherweight
1971 ... #3 Featherweight

Raul had also captured the Mexican Featherweight Championship on December 11, 1970
and held his country's National Title up through August 29, 1971.

He did challenge for the WBC Featherweight Championship on June 3, 1971 - but was blasted
out {L KO 1} to hard-punching Champion - Kuniaki Shibata.

But, since June 1971 - Raul has been on the downside as he has gone only 4-10-1 in '15-Bouts'.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ The Skinny 2 ~

Olympic Promoter - Aileen Eaton has stated that she has offered 'new' WBA Featherweight Champion
Alexis Arguello - $100,000 to fight the winner of the Danny Lopez - Raul Cruz bout.

The proposed date would be set for late-November 1975.

Danny Lopez has been installed as a {3-1} Betting-Favorite over the veteran Raul Cruz.

Danny Lopez >
I'll go for the quick finish. I will come straight at him {Raul Cruz} and go for the early Knockout.
If he survives my early attack and he lasts more than 5 or 6 Rounds, I'll be surprised.

If he stands and trades with me, he will get Knocked out for sure.

Harry Kabakoff {Manager for Raul Cruz} >
Danny Lopez is the perfect opponent for my guy {Raul Cruz}. He walks straight in with that
upright stance. Raul has the best right-hand cross in the Division, and nobody can take that
punch.

I wouldn't be shocked if Raul scores an early Knockout. Lopez has no defense, and can be
hit with anything you throw.

~ Danny Lopez Fights Raul Cruz Tonight ~

[Bill Paxtom]

July 26, 1975

Olympic Auditorium

Danny 'Little Red' Lopez vs. Raul Cruz

Exciting Featherweight Battle

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...01800829,d.eXY

[Bill Paxtom]

July 26, 1975

Olympic Auditorium

Danny 'Little Red' Lopez vs. Raul Cruz

Exciting Featherweight Battle

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...01800829,d.eXY

~ A Wild 1st-Round ~

Raul Cruz nearly takes Danny's head-off with a vicious right-hand to the chin at the {0:16 Mark}.

Danny is shook up as he is driven back into the back-right Ropes.

Raul Cruz is pressing hard, but Danny is able to get off with a stream of busy 'left-right' one-two's
to hold Cruz at bay.

Danny then adds in steady amount of poking left-jabs to Raul's face take control.

But Raul comes back with a hard counter 'right-left' to the head at the {1:14 Mark}. But, Danny
continues with his steady attack, and forces Raul to give ground.

Raul smartly 'bends-and-bobs' to avoid the incoming steam of punches as he tries to press.

Danny scores with a 'solid-flurry; at the {1:40 Mark}, and Raul is stunned. But the stocky-Mexican
rides out the storm and starts plugging away at the {1:57 Mark}.

At the {2:42 Mark}, Danny catches Cruz with a hard 'jarring' right-hand to the chin, and then lands
a big sweeping left-hook to Raul's right temple area.

Raul is 'stunned', and reels back into the front-center Ropes at the {2:44 Mark}.

Danny steps forward, and unleashes with a '27-Punch' barrage. Raul is ale to fend off some of the
blows as he is pinned on the Ropes, and nearly goes through them.

But, Raul makes it to the Bell. The Mexican is 'groggy' as he walks back to his Corner, at the front-right Area.

[Bill Paxtom]

Saturday ~ July 28, 1975

~ Lopez KO's Cruz At The Olympic ~

~ Danny Lopez Gets Win ~

~ 'Little Red' Wins By Kayo In 6th ~

Danny Lopez put away a 'game veteran' Raul Cruz moments into the 6th Round last night at the
Olympic Auditorium in front of 7235 fans.

As with typical fashion, the bout was filled with good exchanges with each fighter getting rocked.

The Mexican - Raul Cruz came out pressing immediately, and 'rocked' Lopez badly with a vicious
right-hand cross to the chin at the {0:18 Mark}.

But 'Little Red' withstood the early charge of the hard-punching slugger, and turned the tide in his
favor by landed with left-jabs and quick '2-Punch' combinations. Lopez then rallied back with a
'non-stop' flurry at the end of the 1st-Round that had the smaller Cruz 'groggy' at the Bell.

Lopez maintained control in Rounds 2, 3 and 4 > as he peppered Cruz with constant '3-Punch'
combinations to the head, as well as swelling up the Mexican's left cheek.

But Cruz was determined, and kept plugging away in trying to turn the bout into a slug-fest as he
connected with occasional left-hooks to the body, and solid right-hand crosses to the chin
{his bread-and-butter punch} to jar Lopez.

Each time that 'Little Red' had Cruz in trouble, the Mexican veteran would smartly 'bend-and-bob'
to avoid the incoming non-stop flurries from Lopez.

Lopez utilized his 4" Height and 5" Reach advantage to continuously out-punch his smaller opponent,
but the Mexican showed courage and heart as he fought back after taking some hard right-hands to
the chin.

In an entertaining Round 5 >

Both fighters met at Center-Ring, and they got into a 'trade-fest' with each landing good blows. Danny
started off by landing a series of 'left-right' punches to the head. But Cruz countered with a 'jarring'
right-cross to Danny's chin at the {0:24 Mark}.

The Olympic Auditorium than started to chant "May-Hee-Co".

Suddenly Danny started to slow down, and his punches lacked zip. Cruz kept pressing, and nailed Danny
with a 'wicked' left-hook to the chin at the {0:55 Mark}.

But Danny hung tough, and rallied strongly with a 'big flurry', and backed Cruz up at the {1:00 Mark}, as
he drove the sturdy Mexican into the left-side Ropes.

Danny continued with a 'steady-barrage', and then drove Cruz into the front-center Ropes, where he looked
to be in serious trouble at the {1:20 Mark} as Danny continued with relentless attack.

Raul Cruz was 'groggy' at the {1:38 Mark}, and he looked ready to go as he was pinned on the front Ropes
as Danny worked him over up to the {1:48 Mark}.

Suddenly, Cruz worked himself off the Ropes, and came back with {back-to-back} 'left-right' punches to the
chin that backed Danny up.

Cruz then caught Danny with a left hook/uppercut and right-hand to the chin at the {2:00 Mark}, and now
suddenly Danny was 'stunned' at Center-Ring.

Raul then moved in, and forced Danny to back up to the left-side Ropes where he mauled him up to the
{2:15 Mark}.

Both fighters went toe-to-toe for the next 15-Seconds, as the 'gritty' Mexican-veteran pounded away at
Lopez.

But Danny rallied back, and suddenly had Cruz on the left-side Ropes at the {2:43 Mark}. Danny then
unloaded with a barrage, and Cruz wobbled backwards into the back Ropes. Danny wailed away on
a weary Cruz until the Bell sounded ending Round 5.

At the Bell, Raul Cruz tapped Danny in acknowledgement of a good Round.

Raul walked back to his corner with a badly bruised left-cheek.

[beenKOed]

I'm hooked.

[Bill Paxtom]

Fight Promoter - Don Fraser said that he expects a turn-out of 10,000 - and with Gate Receipts
to reach $120,000.

Ruben Olivares is to get 40% of the Gate Receipts.
Danny Lopez is to get 25% of the Gate Receipts.

~ A Skinny Twist ~

Howie Steindler {Manager for Danny Lopez} has asked for the bout to be scheduled for 11-Rounds.

Mr. Steindler has asked the California State Boxing Commission to put in a 'special clause', that if the
bout is all even after 10-Rounds, that a 'Box-Off' 11th-Round is to be added.

The State Athletic Commission approves the request.

~ But a 'twist' within a twist >

Ruben Olivares >
I have agreed to a 10-Round bout. If the bout is 'all even' after 10-Rounds, then it should be
ruled a Draw. We can have another fight if we have to.

I'm not going to fight an additional Round. They have signed me to participate in 10-Rounds.
If they want me to fight an 11th-Round, then I have to get paid for it. They better have an
additional $4000 in a bag at Ringside, or I won't get off my stool.

[Bill Paxtom]

Thursday ~ December 4, 1974

~ Olivares Tests Lopez ~

The odds have moved slightly, from {10-8} to {10-7} for Ruben Olivares to defeat
Danny 'Little Red' Lopez.

At the pre-fight Physical held at the Main Street Gym, both fighters were deemed to
be in excellent physical condition.

Both fighters signed off {waived} the 126 Pound weight limit.

Ruben Olivares weighed in at 127 1/4 lbs.

Danny Lopez weighed in at 125 1/2 lbs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ Pre-Fight Chatter ~

Ruben Olivares >
The only way I can get a rematch with David Kotey {WBC Featherweight Champion} is
to win tonight.

I will be aggressive early, as Danny is susceptible to right-hands. If he's still around after
3-Rounds, I will switch up and box him, and work his body with my left-hook. He should
be weakened by the 8th Round, and then I'll finish him off.

Danny Lopez >
I'll press him {Ruben} early, and test his chin. I will only fight one-way, with non-stop
lefts-and-rights.

I can go the full 10-Rounds at full-speed. I know that he cannot keep up with that pace.

[Bill Paxtom]

Thursday ~ December 4, 1975

~ The War At The Forum ~

The Forum ~ Inglewood, California

Promoter .............. Don Fraser
Attendance ............ 9084
Gate Receipts ........ $103,625

Danny 'Little Red' Lopez - 27-3-0 {26 KO's} ~ 125 1/2 lbs. ~ 5' 7 1/2" ~ Reach; 70" ~ {Age; 23 years, 5 months}
vs.
Ruben 'Mr. Knockout' Olivares - 80-6-1 {72 KO's} ~ 127 1/4 lbs. ~ 5' 5 1/2" ~ Reach; 67" ~ {Age; 28 years, 11 months}
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ Olivares Is Upset By Lopez ~

~ 'Little Red' KO's Olivares In 7 ~

Danny 'Little Red' Lopez scored a 7th Round Kayo over former 2-Time Bantamweight and former 2-Time Featherweight
Champion - Ruben Olivares.

The youthful red-haired Bomber sent Olivares to the canvas 4-Times, including for 'the count' in Round 7, where
Olivares was counted out by Referee - Dick Young at the 1:59 Mark.

[Bill Paxtom]

Thursday ~ December 4, 1975

~ The War At The Forum ~

The Forum ~ Inglewood, California

Promoter .............. Don Fraser
Attendance ............ 9084
Gate Receipts ........ $103,625

Danny 'Little Red' Lopez - 27-3-0 {26 KO's} ~ 125 1/2 lbs. ~ 5' 7 1/2" ~ Reach; 70" ~ {Age; 23 years, 5 months}
vs.
Ruben 'Mr. Knockout' Olivares - 80-6-1 {72 KO's} ~ 127 1/4 lbs. ~ 5' 5 1/2" ~ Reach; 67" ~ {Age; 28 years, 11 months}
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ Olivares Is Upset By Lopez ~

~ 'Little Red' KO's Olivares In 7 ~

Danny 'Little Red' Lopez scored a 7th Round Kayo over former 2-Time Bantamweight and former 2-Time Featherweight
Champion - Ruben Olivares.

The youthful red-haired Bomber sent Olivares to the canvas 4-Times, including for 'the count' in Round 7, where
Olivares was counted out by Referee - Dick Young at the 1:59 Mark.

Round 1

Was 'bombs-away', as both fighters slugged away. Danny was using the standard 'double' left-jab
followed by a straight right-hand.

Ruben was winging left-hooks, followed by wild looping right-hands.

Over the first 40-Seconds, Danny had the slight-advantage as he backed Ruben up.

Then the action slid over to the right-side Ropes. As Danny moved in to fire, Ruben caught him with
a 'jarring' left-hook to the chin at the {0:41 Mark}.

Ruben then unleashed a hard '6-Punch' flurry before Danny could recover, and come back with his own
charge.

Both fighters slammed in good punches for the 'next minute-and-a-half'. Ruben was focusing on sending
right-hands to the body, while also looking to fire off sweeping left-hooks high.

Danny was content to measure Ruben with his long-reach, while looking to drop in straight right-hands.



As the action moved to the back-center Ring area, Ruben landed a good 'right-left' on Danny which shook
him momentarily.

As Danny moved forward, Ruben missed with a left-hook, but caught Danny with a 'glancing' right-hand into
the left-side of his head.

Danny, who was slightly 'off-balance', fell to the canvas at the {1:55 Mark}. He was up immediately, and
took the '8-Count' as he walked to the back-right Ring area, while showing no effects of the knockdown-punch.

When the action resumed, both fighters met at Center-Ring. There, Ruben got off first at the {2:09 Mark},
and 'exploded' a left-hook off of Danny's chin.

Amazingly, Danny took the punch and moved forward. Ruben then backed up to the front-right Corner while
looking to counter with his left-hook.

Danny then moved forward, and send out '3' fast left-jabs aimed at Ruben's face.

Then in a fast-exchange, Danny came over the top with a 'sizzling' right-hand that caught Ruben flush on the chin,
and he toppled to the canvas at the {2:20 Mark}.

Ruben went down and rolled under the lower right-side Ropes. Ruben was upset with himself and pounded the
canvas with his right-hand, as he took the '8-Count' from Referee - Dick Young while on his right-knee.

When action resumed at the {2:32 Mark}, both fighters went at it 'toe-to-toe' at Center-Ring.

They each exchanged, but Danny got the better of the trading. Danny then forced Ruben to step back, and
he caught Ruben with a 'jarring' right-hand that put Ruben on his heels. Then Danny added in a whipping
left-hook that caught Ruben on the point of his chin.

Ruben skidded backwards and landed on the seat of his pants at the {2:49 Mark}. Ruben then rolled over on his
stomach, and then got to his knee's at the '5-Count'. When the Referee got to '9', Ruben got up with '1-Second'
remaining in the Round.

The Bell then sounded ending a 'wild' Round 1.

Round 1 ................ Danny Lopez {+2}