Danny 'Little Red' Lopez ~ Career

[Bill Paxtom]

Man! I used to think I was a boxing fan, now I'm finding out not so much. Thanks again for fleshing out these great boxing stories and the time and effort you put into them. That thanks is straight from the heart, sir.

Danny Lopez in Accra, Ghana

Monday, November 8, 1976

After his 1-day stay in the Accra Hospital, Danny was released Monday Afternoon, and went back
to the Hotel.

He stayed inside his small room with his entourage of '3'. Danny, a Mormon prayed and stayed
pretty much quiet. There was no celebrating in Accra, Ghana.

On Monday Night there was a Press Conference at the Ghana Sports Headquarters in downtown Accra,
which Danny and Team {group} of 3 attended.

There, a 'bruised' Danny was asked if he would give David Kotey a rematch. The 'new' Champion said
'Yes', and that there was a 'rematch clause' in the contract that he would honor.

Danny said that he was treated nicely by the Ghanan people, and would welcome a return to Accra, Ghana
early next year {1977} after he rested, which he expected would be at least 2-to-3 Months.

Danny also added, that the bout with David Kotey was 'by far' the most brutal of his career, and he
acknowledged that 'DK Poison' was the most courageous fighter he has ever seen.

Press Conference

Danny Lopez >
"I hit your fighter with everything I had, and he still kept fighting back. He is the strongest fighter that I
have ever fought. He has tremendous will and courage. I know that he will be ready for our next bout.
He will want to take his Title back.

Lt. Col. Simpe-Asante {Ghana Boxing Director} >
"We want to have the rematch here in Accra. Our fighter {David Kotey} will want to reclaim the Title here
in front of his countrymen. We are prepared to have the 'new' Champion {Danny Lopez} sign the fight contract
right now, as I have a 'certified' Government check for $80,000 right here in my briefcase."

Francis Clottley {Trainer for David Kotey} >
"It was a great fight, and the Boxing Event was a major success. We will see Danny Lopez again next year,
and I'm sure it will be another great battle between '2' warriors."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Former Champion - David Kotey

Was still in the Accra Hospital recovering from >
* Dehydration
* Exhaustion
* Badly bruised face
* Swollen Eyes
* Cuts over both eyes .................. {20 Stitches}
* Split on the bridge of his nose ... {1 Stitch}
* Split lower-lip ........................... {17 Stitches}
* Cuts inside his mouth