Danny 'Little Red' Lopez ~ Career

[Bill Paxtom]

David Kotey vs. Danny Lopez

Saturday ~ October 30, 1976 ... Accra, Ghana

~ Press Conference ~

WBC Champion ............ David Kotey {Ghana}
vs.
#1 WBC Challenger ....... Danny Lopez {USA}

At the 'press conference' in front of 200 Press Corps. and African Sports Directors.

Included were representatives from :
* Spain
* Italy
* Great Britain
* Japan
* Mexico

During the Press Conference, Danny Lopez was asked if he thought that he could win.

Danny replied >
"I haven't changed my mind. I think that I can knock him out. And I will."

Challenger - Danny Lopez who had brought a 'Native Indian Head Dress' with him, offered
it as a gift to Champion - David Kotey.

David Kotey, when handed the 'Head Dress' took it and slammed it the floor and stomped
on it, to the amazement of Danny Lopez and his small entourage.

The Champion then went into a 'tirade', and stated that he was going to knockout the
American within 4 Rounds, and splatter him all across the canvas floor.

David Kotey >
"You can't beat me. You are afraid of me. I will Knock you out. I am going to kill you in the Ring.
You will never see your family again, so you better say your Good-Bye's this week."

Francis Clottley {Trainer for David Kotey} >
"He {Danny Lopez} is trying take something that we have worked long and hard for. We
will never let a foreigner come into our Country {Ghana} and take what is ours."

Lt. Col. Simpe-Asante {Director of Boxing for Ghana} >
"This all part of the sport. A confident Champion taking 'verbal action' against the worthy
and visiting Challenger. Nobody wants to see anyone get hurt, and we will make sure of
that."

"Mr. Harry Gibbs will be the Referee in the Ring next Saturday. He is the most competent
Referee in the Sport of Boxing. So I am not worried about safety here."

Col. Kutu Acheampong {Director of Sports of Ghana} >
"We have 'sold out' the Sports Stadium, and are bringing additional seating for the Soccer Stadium's
infield. We have sold 60,000 Tickets so far, and we have another 20,000 seating requests."

"Requests are still coming in, and we will most likely go well over 100,000 in attendance by
Fight Night."

Teddy Bentham {Trainer for Danny Lopez} >
"What amazes me, is that they {David Kotey Camp} are so confident, yet they made us sign a
'guaranteed'' Rematch Clause. That tells me that they are very worried, and want some assurance
of a return bout with a 'big' pay day."

[Bill Paxtom]

Saturday ~ November 6, 1976

~ WBC Featherweight Championship ~

Accra Sports Stadium ~ Accra, Ghana

* WBC - David 'Poison' Kotey ~ 33-2-2 {20 KO's} ~ 5' 7" ~ 126 lbs. ~ Reach; 69" ~ {Age; 25 years, 11 months}
vs.
#1 WBC - Danny 'Little Red' Lopez - 31-3-0 {30 KO's} ~ 5' 7 1/2" ~ 126 lbs. ~ Reach; 70 1/2" ~ {Age; 24 years, 4 months}
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ Pre-Fight Skinny ~

The Betting-Odds dropped from {2-1} to {10-8} for the Champion - David Kotey.

The Bout was 'originally' scheduled for 8:00 PM. But there was an 'over-flow' of Ghanan's
rushing the Stadium, and the bout was pushed back 5-Hours.

At 'final-count', there were 122,000 in attendance inside the Accra Sports Stadium, with
an additional 60,000 outside the perimeter of the Stadium.

The Ghanan Military brought in 'large' portable PA Systems, to transmit the Audio to the
Ghanan people outside the stadium.

The bout did not get started until 1:00 AM.

The Temperature level was 106* during the day of the bout, and was 90* at 8:00 PM. By fight
time {1:00 AM}, the Temperature level only dropped a few degree's to 86*.

Humidity-Levels were above the 90% range, creating a 'steam-bath' type climate.

Danny Lopez only had '3' associates in his Camp.
* Trainer ................. Teddy Betham
* Cut-Man ............... Chickie Ferrara
* Sparring Partner .... David Sotello {who acted as an assistant corner-man}.

There were approximately '30' United States Military personnel who attended the bout,
along with a few people from the American Embassy. That is all that Danny Lopez had
for support.

There was no Live Broadcast Transmission of the bout. The bout was filmed by an
independent African-based production company, which was hired by the Ghanan
Government.

A Sports Production Company from Japan also 'filmed' the bout. They paid $14,000
for the rights.

'2' Boot-Leg tapes of the bout exist. One was filmed by a British Group {who used
a hand-held Cam-Recorder}, and the other by an Italy-based film company who
bribed Ghanan Officials with a $5000 pay-off.

A Radio Broadcast of the bout was to be transmitted by the BBC, as well as the
Ghanan Government controlled radio air-waves.

Also, the Associated Press was to provide a Round-by-Round wire service as well.

One-Hour before the bout {Midnight}, the Ghanan Military called for a 'communications
black-out', preventing any Radio Transmission or Wire Transmission of the bout.

The 'black-out' would last for 40-Hours {nearly 2-days} and was not lifted until
5:00 PM on Monday ~ November 8th.

[Bill Paxtom]

David 'Poison' Kotey vs. Danny 'Little Red' Lopez

When the WBC Champion - David Kotey walked to the Ring, he was wearing his
'Tribal Warrior Robe, Head-Dress and he was carrying a Sword'.



Immediately > The 122,000 Ghanan's started to cheer for their National Hero.

Then the beat of thousands of 'Tribal Drums' started.

The bout would start after Midnight, at 1:00 AM {actually Sunday}.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Round 1 >

The Champion came out fast, and attacked Danny with a ferocious two-fisted assault,
sending the Challenger stumbling off-balance.

Kotey was too fast, and peppered Danny with left-jabs to the face, a hammered him
with right-crosses to the chin.

At the {2:20 Mark}, Kotey landed a solid 'volley of punches' to Danny's head, and
Lopez was driven backwards to the Ropes. The Champion was fighting at an incredibly
fast-pace, and overwhelmed his opponent with 'lightning flurries'.

Round 1 ........ David Kotey {10-9}
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Round 2 >

The Champion came out blazing, and 'slugged' Danny with jarring right-hands to the
head and jaw. Kotey caught Danny with a 'blistering right-hand' and opened up a cut
over Danny's left-eye.

Kotey was taking advantage of Danny's porous defense, as Lopez was susceptible to
overhand-rights.

The Accra Sports Stadium 'roared', as their National Hero raked over the American
with 'volley-after-volley'. Danny looked completely out-matched by the {1:50 Mark},
as he was rocked backwards repeatedly.

Kotey kept up with his 'fast-pace', and nailed Danny 'flush-on-the-jaw' with a right-hook
at the {2:20 Mark}, staggering the American badly and driving him to the Ropes and
as he 'pinned' him there.

The Champion then poured it on, and 'battered' Danny alomg the Ropes with a '17-Punch'
barrage. The Accra Sports Stadium spectators were on their feet, thinking that their Hero
was about to end it.

As Danny took a pounding, he was now bleeding from the mouth. But Danny held on over
the last 25-Second barrage, and made it to the Bell.

Round 2 ......... David Kotey {10-8}
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Round 3 >

The Champion came out 'slugging', and looked to take it to Danny by battering him
with left-hooks and right-crosses to the head and mouth.

Danny was now 'cut' inside the mouth, after taking several 'jarring' right-hands. Kotey
continued with his fast-flurries, and stunned Danny late with more right-hands.

Danny was just getting beat to the punch in every exchange, and had no answer
for the Champion's speed and movement.

The Ghanan spectators continued to beat their 'Tribal Drums' as the Champion totally
dominated another Round.

Round 3 ........ David Kotey {10-9}
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Round 4 >

Kotey stayed with hard-punching here, as he was in total command. The Champion mixed
in left-jabs and left-hooks, while delivering his 'hammering' right-hands into Danny's jaw
over the first-half of the session.

Then Kotey started to back off, as he looked to fire in right-hand leads as he waited to catch
Danny as he was walking in.

Danny tried to get tin close, and attempted to work in close quarters.

Danny was 'warned' by Referee - Harry Gibbs for use of his head at the {1:30 Mark}.

By the {2:00 Mark}, Danny was now sporting a 'puffy' left-eye and swollen left-cheek after
taking some brutal right-hands while in close.

The Champion then landed several 'slashing' left-hands that now opened a 'cut' under Danny's
left-eye.

But later in this Round, Danny took the punches much better and did get off with a few quality
punches over the last 25-Seconds.

Round 4 ..... David Kotey {10-9}
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Round 5 >

The Champion boxed well for the first-minute, by using left-jabs, straight right-hands and
movement.

The Ghanan supporters continued to beat their 'Tribal Drums', while the Accra Sports Stadium
began cheering "Dee-Kay, Dee-Kay".

But then Kotey abandoned his fine boxing-skills and turned slugger by moving inside. This
was a break for Danny, as he was finally able to deliver some hard-punches, as he 'thumped'
Kotey's body with hard left-hooks.

Kotey foolishly traded with Danny over the second-half of the session, and Danny landed
some telling left-hooks to the body and straight right-hands to the head that visibly shook
the Champion.

It was Danny's best action of the bout, and the 1st Round he won on the Scorecards.

Round 5 ......... Danny Lopez {10-9}

[Bill Paxtom]

David 'Poison' Kotey vs. Danny 'Little Red' Lopez

When the WBC Champion - David Kotey walked to the Ring, he was wearing his
'Tribal Warrior Robe, Head-Dress and he was carrying a Sword'.



Immediately > The 122,000 Ghanan's started to cheer for their National Hero.

Then the beat of thousands of 'Tribal Drums' started.

The bout would start after Midnight, at 1:00 AM {actually Sunday}.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Round 1 >

The Champion came out fast, and attacked Danny with a ferocious two-fisted assault,
sending the Challenger stumbling off-balance.

Kotey was too fast, and peppered Danny with left-jabs to the face, a hammered him
with right-crosses to the chin.

At the {2:20 Mark}, Kotey landed a solid 'volley of punches' to Danny's head, and
Lopez was driven backwards to the Ropes. The Champion was fighting at an incredibly
fast-pace, and overwhelmed his opponent with 'lightning flurries'.

Round 1 ........ David Kotey {10-9}
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Round 2 >

The Champion came out blazing, and 'slugged' Danny with jarring right-hands to the
head and jaw. Kotey caught Danny with a 'blistering right-hand' and opened up a cut
over Danny's left-eye.

Kotey was taking advantage of Danny's porous defense, as Lopez was susceptible to
overhand-rights.

The Accra Sports Stadium 'roared', as their National Hero raked over the American
with 'volley-after-volley'. Danny looked completely out-matched by the {1:50 Mark},
as he was rocked backwards repeatedly.

Kotey kept up with his 'fast-pace', and nailed Danny 'flush-on-the-jaw' with a right-hook
at the {2:20 Mark}, staggering the American badly and driving him to the Ropes and
as he 'pinned' him there.

The Champion then poured it on, and 'battered' Danny alomg the Ropes with a '17-Punch'
barrage. The Accra Sports Stadium spectators were on their feet, thinking that their Hero
was about to end it.

As Danny took a pounding, he was now bleeding from the mouth. But Danny held on over
the last 25-Second barrage, and made it to the Bell.

Round 2 ......... David Kotey {10-8}
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Round 3 >

The Champion came out 'slugging', and looked to take it to Danny by battering him
with left-hooks and right-crosses to the head and mouth.

Danny was now 'cut' inside the mouth, after taking several 'jarring' right-hands. Kotey
continued with his fast-flurries, and stunned Danny late with more right-hands.

Danny was just getting beat to the punch in every exchange, and had no answer
for the Champion's speed and movement.

The Ghanan spectators continued to beat their 'Tribal Drums' as the Champion totally
dominated another Round.

Round 3 ........ David Kotey {10-9}
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Round 4 >

Kotey stayed with hard-punching here, as he was in total command. The Champion mixed
in left-jabs and left-hooks, while delivering his 'hammering' right-hands into Danny's jaw
over the first-half of the session.

Then Kotey started to back off, as he looked to fire in right-hand leads as he waited to catch
Danny as he was walking in.

By the {2:00 Mark}, Danny was now sporting a 'puffy' left-eye and swollen left-cheek after
taking brutal right-hands.

But later in this Round, Danny took the punches much better and did get off with a few quality
punches over the last 30-Seconds.

Round 4 ..... David Kotey {10-9}
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Round 5 >

The Champion boxed well for the first-minute, by using left-jabs, straight right-hands and
fast movement.

The Ghanan supporters continued to beat their 'Tribal Drums', while the Accra Sports Stadium
began cheering "Dee-Kay, Dee-Kay".

But then Kotey abandoned his fine boxing-skills and turned slugger by moving inside. This
was a break for Danny, as he was finally able to deliver some hard-punches, as he 'thumped'
Kotey's body with hard left-hooks.

Kotey foolishly traded with Danny over the second-half of the session, and Danny landed
some telling left-hooks to the body and straight right-hands to the head that visibly shook
the Champion.

It was Danny's best action of the bout, and the 1st Round he won on the Scorecards.

Round 5 ......... Danny Lopez {10-9}

Round 6 >

The Champion came out and met Danny at Center-Ring, and decided to 'slug-it-out'
instead of using his speed-boxing which had been his success during the first 4-Rounds
and first-half of Round 5.

Both traded with hard-punches over the first-half of the session, and Danny had the
slight-edge. The Champion then visibly slowed, and was showing less spring in his
legs.

Then at the {1:40 Mark} Danny caught the Champion with a 'slicing' right-hand to
the left-eye, and opened up a 'cut' on Kotey's left eye-brow.

Danny then 'thudded in' some hard left-hooks to the body, and the Champion backed
up for the 1st-time in the bout.



Danny then pressed forward, and slammed in 'one-two' punches as Kotey backed out
to the Ring Perimeter to get some distance,

Danny then used 'double and triple' left-jabs to the face to measure the Champion
for straight right-hands, while stepping up-the-pace.

By the end of Round 6, Kotey looked a bit weary after absorbing some stiff-punches
to the head and body.

Round 6 .......... Danny Lopez {10-9}
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The cheering from the 122,000 Ghanan's in the Sports Stadium between Rounds 6 and 7
was not as loud as previously. There was some concern now, as David Kotey looked
'weary' from the Danny's steady-pressure, and the 'steam-bath' type heat and humidity
in the Ring was starting to take it's toll.

The Champion had also used up a lot of his energy during the first 5-Rounds with his
unbelievable set fast-pace.

[Bill Paxtom]

David 'Poison' Kotey vs. Danny 'Little Red' Lopez

When the WBC Champion - David Kotey walked to the Ring, he was wearing his
'Tribal Warrior Robe, Head-Dress and he was carrying a Sword'.



Immediately > The 122,000 Ghanan's started to cheer for their National Hero.

Then the beat of thousands of 'Tribal Drums' started.

The bout would start after Midnight, at 1:00 AM {actually Sunday}.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Round 1 >

The Champion came out fast, and attacked Danny with a ferocious two-fisted assault,
sending the Challenger stumbling off-balance.

Kotey was too fast, and peppered Danny with left-jabs to the face, a hammered him
with right-crosses to the chin.

At the {2:20 Mark}, Kotey landed a solid 'volley of punches' to Danny's head, and
Lopez was driven backwards to the Ropes. The Champion was fighting at an incredibly
fast-pace, and overwhelmed his opponent with 'lightning flurries'.

Round 1 ........ David Kotey {10-9}
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Round 2 >

The Champion came out blazing, and 'slugged' Danny with jarring right-hands to the
head and jaw. Kotey caught Danny with a 'blistering right-hand' and opened up a cut
over Danny's left-eye.

Kotey was taking advantage of Danny's porous defense, as Lopez was susceptible to
overhand-rights.

The Accra Sports Stadium 'roared', as their National Hero raked over the American
with 'volley-after-volley'. Danny looked completely out-matched by the {1:50 Mark},
as he was rocked backwards repeatedly.

Kotey kept up with his 'fast-pace', and nailed Danny 'flush-on-the-jaw' with a right-hook
at the {2:20 Mark}, staggering the American badly and driving him to the Ropes and
as he 'pinned' him there.

The Champion then poured it on, and 'battered' Danny alomg the Ropes with a '17-Punch'
barrage. The Accra Sports Stadium spectators were on their feet, thinking that their Hero
was about to end it.

As Danny took a pounding, he was now bleeding from the mouth. But Danny held on over
the last 25-Second barrage, and made it to the Bell.

Round 2 ......... David Kotey {10-8}
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Round 3 >

The Champion came out 'slugging', and looked to take it to Danny by battering him
with left-hooks and right-crosses to the head and mouth.

Danny was now 'cut' inside the mouth, after taking several 'jarring' right-hands. Kotey
continued with his fast-flurries, and stunned Danny late with more right-hands.

Danny was just getting beat to the punch in every exchange, and had no answer
for the Champion's speed and movement.

The Ghanan spectators continued to beat their 'Tribal Drums' as the Champion totally
dominated another Round.

Round 3 ........ David Kotey {10-9}
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Round 4 >

Kotey stayed with hard-punching here, as he was in total command. The Champion mixed
in left-jabs and left-hooks, while delivering his 'hammering' right-hands into Danny's jaw
over the first-half of the session.

Then Kotey started to back off, as he looked to fire in right-hand leads as he waited to catch
Danny as he was walking in.

By the {2:00 Mark}, Danny was now sporting a 'puffy' left-eye and swollen left-cheek after
taking brutal right-hands.

But later in this Round, Danny took the punches much better and did get off with a few quality
punches over the last 30-Seconds.

Round 4 ..... David Kotey {10-9}
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Round 5 >

The Champion boxed well for the first-minute, by using left-jabs, straight right-hands and
fast movement.

The Ghanan supporters continued to beat their 'Tribal Drums', while the Accra Sports Stadium
began cheering "Dee-Kay, Dee-Kay".

But then Kotey abandoned his fine boxing-skills and turned slugger by moving inside. This
was a break for Danny, as he was finally able to deliver some hard-punches, as he 'thumped'
Kotey's body with hard left-hooks.

Kotey foolishly traded with Danny over the second-half of the session, and Danny landed
some telling left-hooks to the body and straight right-hands to the head that visibly shook
the Champion.

It was Danny's best action of the bout, and the 1st Round he won on the Scorecards.

Round 5 ......... Danny Lopez {10-9}

Round 6 >

The Champion came out and met Danny at Center-Ring, and decided to 'slug-it-out'
instead of using his speed-boxing which had been his success during the first 4-Rounds
and first-half of Round 5.

Both traded with hard-punches over the first-half of the session, and Danny had the
slight-edge. The Champion then visibly slowed, and was showing less spring in his
legs.

Then at the {1:40 Mark} Danny caught the Champion with a 'slicing' right-hand to
the left-eye, and opened up a 'cut' on Kotey's left eye-brow.

Danny then 'thudded in' some hard left-hooks to the body, and the Champion backed
up for the 1st-time in the bout.



Danny then pressed forward, and slammed in 'one-two' punches as Kotey backed out
to the Ring Perimeter to get some distance,

Danny then used 'double and triple' left-jabs to the face to measure the Champion
for straight right-hands, while stepping up-the-pace.

By the end of Round 6, Kotey looked a bit weary after absorbing some stiff-punches
to the head and body.

Round 6 .......... Danny Lopez {10-9}
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The cheering from the 122,000 Ghanan's in the Sports Stadium between Rounds 6 and 7
was not as loud as previously. There was some concern now, as David Kotey looked
'weary' from the Danny's steady-pressure, and the 'steam-bath' type heat and humidity
in the Ring was starting to take it's toll.

The Champion had also used up a lot of his energy during the first 5-Rounds with his
unbelievable set fast-pace.

Round 7 >

Danny picked up where he left off, and pressed the Champion hard. Danny continued to move forward
with his standard 'one-two' as Kotey backed away and moved over the first-half of the Round.

When Kotey moved in to fire, he was met by 'jarring' left-jabs and/or hard straight right-hands
to the face.

Danny landed several 'devastating' right-hands into the Champion's face that had him 'groggy' by
the {2:15 Mark}.

At the {2:20 Mark}, Danny caught the Champion with a 'solid right-uppercut' to the mouth, splitting
open Kotey's lower-lip causing blood to flow.

Danny then 'raked' over the Champion with a hard-barrage to the body over the last 20-Seconds of
the Round, as the Champion began to 'wilt' under the heavy pressure, as he took a lot of punishment
at the end of the Round.

As the Champion walked back to his corner, blood was 'oozing' out of his mouth.

Round 7 .......... Danny Lopez {10-9}
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After the Round was over, there was 'near silence' in the Accra Sports Stadium, as the 122,000
Ghanan's went quiet, as they could not believe what had happened to their National Hero.

The few American supporters near Dany Lopez' corner were cheering, and waving their small
American Flags that they brought along.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Round 8 >

Danny came out using steady-pressure. Danny was effective as he backed up the Champion, while
pumping in left-hands to the face.

Danny moved in close and slugged away, while also using his head. Referee - Harry Gibbs warned
Danny at the {1:25 Mark} {2nd time in the Bout} for head-butting

Kotey was forced to move and give ground, as he back-tracked 'fast' and circled to his right. By the
{2:00 Mark}, Danny was in total command, and when in range he delivered solid 'left-right' punches
to both the head and body that made the Champion wince in pain.

When the Champion did fight back, he was only 'swatting' with arm-punches that had little 'zip' behind them.

Very-late in the Round, Kotey did connect with several decent right-hands to the jaw, that forced Danny to
pause and cover up.

Round 8 > ........ Danny Lopez {10-9}
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Bill Paxtom]

David 'Poison' Kotey vs. Danny 'Little Red' Lopez

When the WBC Champion - David Kotey walked to the Ring, he was wearing his
'Tribal Warrior Robe, Head-Dress and he was carrying a Sword'.



Immediately > The 122,000 Ghanan's started to cheer for their National Hero.

Then the beat of thousands of 'Tribal Drums' started.

The bout would start after Midnight, at 1:00 AM {actually Sunday}.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Round 1 >

The Champion came out fast, and attacked Danny with a ferocious two-fisted assault,
sending the Challenger stumbling off-balance.

Kotey was too fast, and peppered Danny with left-jabs to the face, a hammered him
with right-crosses to the chin.

At the {2:20 Mark}, Kotey landed a solid 'volley of punches' to Danny's head, and
Lopez was driven backwards to the Ropes. The Champion was fighting at an incredibly
fast-pace, and overwhelmed his opponent with 'lightning flurries'.

Round 1 ........ David Kotey {10-9}
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Round 2 >

The Champion came out blazing, and 'slugged' Danny with jarring right-hands to the
head and jaw. Kotey caught Danny with a 'blistering right-hand' and opened up a cut
over Danny's left-eye.

Kotey was taking advantage of Danny's porous defense, as Lopez was susceptible to
overhand-rights.

The Accra Sports Stadium 'roared', as their National Hero raked over the American
with 'volley-after-volley'. Danny looked completely out-matched by the {1:50 Mark},
as he was rocked backwards repeatedly.

Kotey kept up with his 'fast-pace', and nailed Danny 'flush-on-the-jaw' with a right-hook
at the {2:20 Mark}, staggering the American badly and driving him to the Ropes and
as he 'pinned' him there.

The Champion then poured it on, and 'battered' Danny alomg the Ropes with a '17-Punch'
barrage. The Accra Sports Stadium spectators were on their feet, thinking that their Hero
was about to end it.

As Danny took a pounding, he was now bleeding from the mouth. But Danny held on over
the last 25-Second barrage, and made it to the Bell.

Round 2 ......... David Kotey {10-8}
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Round 3 >

The Champion came out 'slugging', and looked to take it to Danny by battering him
with left-hooks and right-crosses to the head and mouth.

Danny was now 'cut' inside the mouth, after taking several 'jarring' right-hands. Kotey
continued with his fast-flurries, and stunned Danny late with more right-hands.

Danny was just getting beat to the punch in every exchange, and had no answer
for the Champion's speed and movement.

The Ghanan spectators continued to beat their 'Tribal Drums' as the Champion totally
dominated another Round.

Round 3 ........ David Kotey {10-9}
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Round 4 >

Kotey stayed with hard-punching here, as he was in total command. The Champion mixed
in left-jabs and left-hooks, while delivering his 'hammering' right-hands into Danny's jaw
over the first-half of the session.

Then Kotey started to back off, as he looked to fire in right-hand leads as he waited to catch
Danny as he was walking in.

By the {2:00 Mark}, Danny was now sporting a 'puffy' left-eye and swollen left-cheek after
taking brutal right-hands.

But later in this Round, Danny took the punches much better and did get off with a few quality
punches over the last 30-Seconds.

Round 4 ..... David Kotey {10-9}
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Round 5 >

The Champion boxed well for the first-minute, by using left-jabs, straight right-hands and
fast movement.

The Ghanan supporters continued to beat their 'Tribal Drums', while the Accra Sports Stadium
began cheering "Dee-Kay, Dee-Kay".

But then Kotey abandoned his fine boxing-skills and turned slugger by moving inside. This
was a break for Danny, as he was finally able to deliver some hard-punches, as he 'thumped'
Kotey's body with hard left-hooks.

Kotey foolishly traded with Danny over the second-half of the session, and Danny landed
some telling left-hooks to the body and straight right-hands to the head that visibly shook
the Champion.

It was Danny's best action of the bout, and the 1st Round he won on the Scorecards.

Round 5 ......... Danny Lopez {10-9}

Round 6 >

The Champion came out and met Danny at Center-Ring, and decided to 'slug-it-out'
instead of using his speed-boxing which had been his success during the first 4-Rounds
and first-half of Round 5.

Both traded with hard-punches over the first-half of the session, and Danny had the
slight-edge. The Champion then visibly slowed, and was showing less spring in his
legs.

Then at the {1:40 Mark} Danny caught the Champion with a 'slicing' right-hand to
the left-eye, and opened up a 'cut' on Kotey's left eye-brow.

Danny then 'thudded in' some hard left-hooks to the body, and the Champion backed
up for the 1st-time in the bout.



Danny then pressed forward, and slammed in 'one-two' punches as Kotey backed out
to the Ring Perimeter to get some distance,

Danny then used 'double and triple' left-jabs to the face to measure the Champion
for straight right-hands, while stepping up-the-pace.

By the end of Round 6, Kotey looked a bit weary after absorbing some stiff-punches
to the head and body.

Round 6 .......... Danny Lopez {10-9}
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The cheering from the 122,000 Ghanan's in the Sports Stadium between Rounds 6 and 7
was not as loud as previously. There was some concern now, as David Kotey looked
'weary' from the Danny's steady-pressure, and the 'steam-bath' type heat and humidity
in the Ring was starting to take it's toll.

The Champion had also used up a lot of his energy during the first 5-Rounds with his
unbelievable set fast-pace.

Round 7 >

Danny picked up where he left off, and pressed the Champion hard. Danny continued to move forward
with his standard 'one-two' as Kotey backed away and moved over the first-half of the Round.

When Kotey moved in to fire, he was met by 'jarring' left-jabs and/or hard straight right-hands
to the face.

Danny landed several 'devastating' right-hands into the Champion's face that had him 'groggy' by
the {2:15 Mark}.

At the {2:20 Mark}, Danny caught the Champion with a 'solid right-uppercut' to the mouth, splitting
open Kotey's lower-lip causing blood to flow.

Danny then 'raked' over the Champion with a hard-barrage to the body over the last 20-Seconds of
the Round, as the Champion began to 'wilt' under the heavy pressure, as he took a lot of punishment
at the end of the Round.

As the Champion walked back to his corner, blood was 'oozing' out of his mouth.

Round 7 .......... Danny Lopez {10-9}
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After the Round was over, there was 'near silence' in the Accra Sports Stadium, as the 122,000
Ghanan's went quiet, as they could not believe what had happened to their National Hero.

The few American supporters near Dany Lopez' corner were cheering, and waving their small
American Flags that they brought along.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Round 8 >

Danny came out using steady-pressure. Danny was effective as he backed up the Champion, while
pumping in left-hands to the face.

Kotey was forced to move and give ground, as he back-tracked 'fast' and circled to his right. By the
{2:00 Mark}, Danny was in total command, and when in range he delivered solid 'left-right' punches
to both the head and body that made the Champion wince in pain.

When the Champion did fight back, he was only 'swatting' with arm-punches that had little 'zip' behind them.

Very-late in the Round, Kotey did connect with several decent right-hands to the jaw, that forced Danny to
pause and cover up.

Round 8 > ........ Danny Lopez {10-9}
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Round 9 >

Danny came out again by using steady-pressure to walk the 'fading' Champion down. Danny
lead with 'stiff' left-jabs and poking straight right-hands as Kotey had little left in the tank.

The Champion was on the complete defensive, as he used every tactic to stay away by >
* Circling to his right
* Back-tracking fast
* Grabbing the Challenger when he could

Again the Champion took punishment, and was now sporting a small cut over his right-eye
to go along with a cut on his left-eyebrow.

Kotey only offered up a token offense, when he landed a few light left-jabs to Danny's face,
and '1' decent overhand right to the jaw at the {1:45 Mark}.

But Danny came back firing, and sent the Champion's mouthpiece flying when landed a
vicious right-cross to Kotey's mouth.

But David Kotey was exhibiting an immense amount of courage, as he had taken some brutal
blows and would not quit.

Round 9 ....... Danny Lopez {10-9}
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Danny Lopez had erased the Champions early-bout Points lead, and the bout was now 'Even'
on the Scorecards.

Danny had also taken the immense crowd of 122,000 Ghanan's out of the bout, as the Accra
Sports Stadium was 'eerily quiet' now.

[Bill Paxtom]

David Kotey vs. Danny Lopez

Round 10 >

Surprisingly, the 'weary' Champion came out 'spry' for Round 10, and started to smartly box
by sending in left-hands from outside.

Danny looked to be resting early {waiting for his 'second-wind'}, as he was just moving forward
slowly, but not offering up any punches.

But Kotey came in with a charge at the {0:50 Mark}, and rattled Danny with a 'big' left-hook to the
jaw, that snapped his head sideways.

Kotey then came back quickly with a 'booming' overhand-right to the head that sent Danny
'stumbling' to his left.

The punch landed on Danny's right-eye, which began to swell up immediately.

Immediately the Accra Sports Stadium let out with a 'tremendous roar'.

The Champion sensed his opportunity to 'swing-the-tide', and rallied with a barrage of punches
that sent Danny backwards and into the left-side Ropes.

The Ghanan fans then screamed "Dee-Kay Poison, Dee-Kay Poison", and the once silent 'Tribal Drums'
started to thump loudly.

The Champion's corner yelled to their fighter > "Finish him. Finish him."

Kotey then rained in a 'series-of-punches' to the head over the next 30-seconds that had Danny 'dizzy'.

The Champion also opened up the 'cut' over Danny's left-eye, which was now dripping blood.

But by the {2:00 Mark} the Champion became 'arm-weary' and stopped throwing punches, as he leaned
in on Danny while grabbing him around the waist to hold on and buy time.

While in close, Danny used his head and clunked Kotey on the forehead. Referee - Harry Gibbs warned
Danny {3rd time in the Bout} for head-butting.

Kotey now looked 'spent', as Danny had ridden out the sudden storm.

Danny slowly worked himself off the Ropes, and by the {2:25 Mark} he was back to pressing and delivering
solid punches into an 'exhausted' Champion.

Danny then 'thumped' Kotey with a few good 'left-right' combinations over the last 20-seconds, and drove
the Champion into the back-right Ropes where he began to sag.

Round 10 ......... David Kotey {10-9}

[Bill Paxtom]

David Kotey vs. Danny Lopez

Round 10 >

Surprisingly, the 'weary' Champion came out 'spry' for Round 10, and started to smartly box
by sending in left-hands from outside.

Danny looked to be resting early {waiting for his 'second-wind'}, as he was just moving forward
slowly, but not offering up any punches.

But Kotey came in with a charge at the {0:50 Mark}, and rattled Danny with a 'big' left-hook to the
jaw, that snapped his head sideways.

Kotey then came back quickly with a 'booming' overhand-right to the head that sent Danny
'stumbling' to his left.

The punch landed on Danny's right-eye, which began to swell up immediately.

Immediately the Accra Sports Stadium let out with a 'tremendous roar'.

The Champion sensed his opportunity to 'swing-the-tide', and rallied with a barrage of punches
that sent Danny backwards and into the left-side Ropes.

The Ghanan fans then screamed "Dee-Kay Poison, Dee-Kay Poison", and the once silent 'Tribal Drums'
started to thump loudly.

The Champion's corner yelled to their fighter > "Finish him. Finish him."

Kotey then rained in a 'series-of-punches' to the head over the next 30-seconds that had Danny 'dizzy'.

The Champion also opened up the 'cut' over Danny's left-eye, which was now dripping blood.

But by the {2:00 Mark} the Champion became 'arm-weary' and stopped throwing punches, as he leaned
in on Danny while grabbing him around the waist to hold on and buy time.

Kotey now looked 'spent', as Danny had ridden out the sudden storm.

Danny slowly worked himself off the Ropes, and by the {2:25 Mark} he was back to pressing and delivering
solid punches into an 'exhausted' Champion.

Danny then 'thumped' Kotey with a few good 'left-right' combinations over the last 20-seconds, and drove
the Champion into the back-right Ropes where he began to sag.

Round 10 ......... David Kotey {10-9}

Round 11 >

Danny Lopez picked where he left off at the end of Round 10, and came pressing forward using measuring
left-jabs, and straight right-hands.

The Champion, now bleeding from cuts over both eyes, also had a bloody mouth and a badly split lower-lip.

Kotey continually backed up into the Ropes, and when Danny moved in > Kotey literally 'sprinted' out to the
right {to Danny's left} and away to avoid from getting tagged.

By the {1:30 Mark}, Kotey began to slow down, and his legs looked 'wobbly', both from the high-heat and
humidity in the Ring, and from the heavy-pressure from Danny Lopez.

Then. Danny stepped up the pace faster, and trapped Kotey near the back-right Corner at the {1:40 Mark}.

Danny then 'jolted' Kotey when he caught him with hard right-hand to the head. Danny then followed up
quickly with a 'sharp' right-hand that 'stunned' the Champion at the {1:44 Mark}.

Danny then added in with a 'hard' right-cross and left-hook, and the Champion 'toppled-to-the-canvas' at the
{1:46 Mark}.

The Champion got to both knee's at the '3-Count', as Referee - Harry Gibbs gave the count. Kotey rose at the
'9-Count' as he smartly took as much time as he could.

When the action resumed at the {2:00 Mark}, Danny charged from across the Ring and attempted to 'bomb-out'
the weary Champion.

But Kotey still had some 'strength' left in his legs, and he moved out of harm's way by backing-tracking fast to the
opposite side of the Ring as a 'rampaging' Danny Lopez chased.

Danny then unloaded with a 'blistering-barrage' that had the Champion in 'bad shape' along the left-side Ropes,
as blood was coming out of his mouth and dripping from his eyes.

Suddenly, before Danny could deliver 'the finishing barrage', the Bell rang at the {2:30 Mark} ending the Round.

The Bell was sounded {mistakenly ?} with 30-Seconds left in the Round.

Round 11 .......... Danny Lopez {10-8}

[Bill Paxtom]

David Kotey vs. Danny Lopez

Round 12 >

Before the Round started, The Champion's Chief Cornerman - Francis Clottley told his fighter
to come out fast, and try to catch Danny Lopez by surprise.

And if he could not hurt the American early, he was to back-off and circle to his right, and wait
until late in the Round before making another attack.

Round 12 >

The Champion did come out fast, and he attacked Danny near his corner with a flurry of punches.
Kotey caught Danny with several good punches, but Danny took them well and was not at all shaken
as he stayed in the back-left Ring area.

The Champion then backed out to Center-Ring at the {0:35 Mark}. and used left-jabs to keep Danny
at a distance.

Kotey was able to get off several-punches, but they lacked power and he could not keep Danny off him
for long.

By the {1:20 Mark}, Danny was now plodding forward steadily, and delivering solid straight punches
into Kotey's head and body. The Champion tried to match Danny 'punch-for-punch', but soon he had
to give ground.

Danny 'rocked' the Champion with a left-hook to the jaw at the {1:45 Mark}, and followed up with a solid
right-hand to the ribs. Now Kotey was looking to move, as he was hurt.

Danny moved in and backed Kotey to the right-side Ropes, where he sent in several hard '3-Punch'
combinations. The Champion then 'sagged' low on the Ropes to avoid the bombardment.

As Danny kept punching, the Bell again suddenly sounded early at the {2:25 Mark}, saving the 'dazed'
Champion from further punishment.

Round 12 ............ Danny Lopez {10-9}

[walrus]

This is great stuff, I read it whenever I'm in the bathroom. Big shout out to the Deuce, @Bill Paxtom

[Bill Paxtom]

David Kotey vs. Danny Lopez

Round 12 >

Before the Round started, The Champion's Chief Cornerman - Francis Clottley told his fighter
to come out fast, and try to catch Danny Lopez by surprise.

And if he could not hurt the American early, he was to back-off and circle to his right, and wait
until late in the Round before making another attack.

Round 12 >

The Champion did come out fast, and he attacked Danny near his corner with a flurry of punches.
Kotey caught Danny with several good punches, but Danny took them well and was not at all shaken
as he stayed in the back-left Ring area.

The Champion then backed out to Center-Ring at the {0:35 Mark}. and used left-jabs to keep Danny
at a distance.

Kotey was able to get off several-punches, but they lacked power and he could not keep Danny off him
for long.

By the {1:20 Mark}, Danny was now plodding forward steadily, and delivering solid straight punches
into Kotey's head and body. The Champion tried to match Danny 'punch-for-punch', but soon he had
to give ground.

Danny 'rocked' the Champion with a left-hook to the jaw at the {1:45 Mark}, and followed up with a solid
right-hand to the ribs. Now Kotey was looking to move, as he was hurt.

Danny moved in and backed Kotey to the right-side Ropes, where he sent in several hard '3-Punch'
combinations. The Champion then 'sagged' low on the Ropes to avoid the bombardment.

As Danny kept punching, the Bell again suddenly sounded early at the {2:25 Mark}, saving the 'dazed'
Champion from further punishment.

Round 12 ............ Danny Lopez {10-9}

Round 13 >

Danny Lopez came out by 'putting-the-wood' to the Champion.

Danny came charging with a 'two-fisted' attack, as Kotey had little left, other than some minor left-hands
and movement. By the {1:30 Mark}, Kotey was forced to back to the Ropes, where he took 'stiff-punches'
to the head.

The 'cuts' over both of the Champion's eyes were dripping blood, and both of his eye's were now puffy
and swollen.

Danny was giving the Champion a beating, and by the {2:00 Mark} it looked to be about over for Kotey,
as he 'sagged' into the middle Rope strands at the back Ring area.

Then again, like the '2' previous Rounds, the Bell rang early again. This time at the {2:10 Mark} ending
the Round 50-Seconds early.

Round 13 .......... Danny Lopez {10-8}
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After the Round, Referee - Harry Gibbs went over to the Champion's corner to see if David Kotey wanted
to continue, as the African fighter was in bad shape.

The Referee asked the Ringside Physician to check the 'cuts' over both of David Kotey's eyes. They were bad,
but the Physician let the bout continue.

The Kotey corner said that their fighter would be able to continue.

Then 'with a stroke of luck', the Champion's corner found a damaged right glove {sliced}. Time was called,
and it took another 2+ Minutes to replace the Glove on the right-hand.

The over 3-Minute break period was a much needed blessing for the weary and battered Champion.

[beenKOed]

Good stuff Bill! I can't wait for your next post even though I know what happened!

[Bill Paxtom]

David Kotey vs. Danny Lopez

Coming out for Round 14, Danny Lopez was well ahead on points.

But with all the excitement, and early Rounds dominance by David Kotey, the Lopez Camp
were not sure where they stood on the Official's cards.

Trainer - Teddy Bentham told Danny to go out, and batter the Champion right away, as Kotey
looked 'ready-to-go' at the end of Round 13.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Round 14 >

As on cue, Danny came out and went right after the Champion. Danny thumped Kotey with
stiff left-jabs and 'jarring' right-hands to the head.

By the {0:30 Mark}, Kotey was back on the right-side Ropes trying to fend off the incoming punches.
The Champion tried to fight his way off the Ropes, but Danny continued with a steady-flow of
'one-two' {left-right} punches.

To get away, Kotey had to literally 'sprint' off the Ropes and to his right to avoid the steady
onslaught from the Challenger. The Champion got out to Center-Ring, and tried to punch back
at the {0:50 Mark}.

Kotey tried to slow down Danny down by 'ripping' away at the with what he had left, but his
punches had little behind them.

Danny then caught the Champion with a 'right-left-right' to the head, and Kotey 'wobbled', but
would not fall as he showed incredible courage.

Danny then moved in, as Kotey could not offer up a return. The Champion was now in 'complete'
survival-mode as he moved to the left-side Ropes at the {1:30 Mark}.

Danny simply stepped in and kept 'pumping-in' {left-right} punches as Kotey could only lay back
on the Ropes and absorb them.

'Twice', Referee - Harry Gibbs looked in and almost stopped the bout, but he let the one-sided affair
continue.

At the {2:20 Mark}, again the Bell sounded early, cutting the Round short by 40-Seconds.

A 'weary-and-battered' David Kotey walked back to his corner with his head hanging down.

There was 'near silence' from the 122,000 Ghanan's in the Accra Sports Stadium.

Round 14 ........ Danny Lopez {10-9}

[Bill Paxtom]

David Kotey vs. Danny Lopez

Coming out for Round 14, Danny Lopez was well ahead on points.

But with all the excitement, and early Rounds dominance by David Kotey, the Lopez Camp
were not sure where they stood on the Official's cards.

Trainer - Teddy Bentham told Danny to go out, and batter the Champion right away, as Kotey
looked 'ready-to-go' at the end of Round 13.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Round 14 >

As on cue, Danny came out and went right after the Champion. Danny thumped Kotey with
stiff left-jabs and 'jarring' right-hands to the head.

By the {0:30 Mark}, Kotey was back on the right-side Ropes trying to fend off the incoming punches.
The Champion tried to fight his way off the Ropes, but Danny continued with a steady-flow of
'one-two' {left-right} punches.

To get away, Kotey had to literally 'sprint' off the Ropes and to his right to avoid the steady
onslaught from the Challenger. The Champion got out to Center-Ring, and tried to punch back
at the {0:50 Mark}.

Kotey tried to slow down Danny down by 'ripping' away at the with what he had left, but his
punches had little behind them.

Danny then caught the Champion with a 'right-left-right' to the head, and Kotey 'wobbled', but
would not fall as he showed incredible courage.

Danny then moved in, as Kotey could not offer up a return. The Champion was now in 'complete'
survival-mode as he moved to the left-side Ropes at the {1:30 Mark}.

Danny simply stepped in and kept 'pumping-in' {left-right} punches as Kotey could only lay back
on the Ropes and absorb them.

'Twice', Referee - Harry Gibbs looked in and almost stopped the bout, but he let the one-sided affair
continue.

At the {2:20 Mark}, again the Bell sounded early, cutting the Round short by 40-Seconds.

A 'weary-and-battered' David Kotey walked back to his corner with his head hanging down.

There was 'near silence' from the 122,000 Ghanan's in the Accra Sports Stadium.

Round 14 ........ Danny Lopez {10-9}

Round 15 >

Both fighters met at Center-Ring, and touched gloves. The Champion looked battered, but was ready
for one last attack.

Immediately David Kotey tried to take catch Danny by surprise, and let go with a 'whistling' right-hook
to Danny's puffed-up 'right-eye' area.

Then the Champion then came in with a 'left-right' attack for the next 25-Seconds as Danny covered
up. Kotey then caught Danny with a 'looping' right-hand to the jaw that made him back up at the
{0:32 Mark}..

The Accra Sports Stadium 'roared' for a moment, thinking that maybe their Hero had 'rattled' the
American.

But the Champion's charge was short, and by the {0:40 Mark} he was not pressing, as Danny started
to move forward.



Danny then started to fire back, and landed a good 'left-right' that had the Champion 'rocking-back' on
his heels. Danny then added in a 'jolting' right-cross to the head that shook up the Champion at the
[1:00 Mark}.

Danny then took control, and had Kotey backing way away in fast-gear. It was all Danny now, as he
dominated and raked over the Champion with both lefts-and-rights.

The Champion showed tremendous courage, as he was now battered to the Ropes, where he took another
'pasting' while getting pinned there.

Again the Bell sounded early at the {2:30 Mark}, 30-Seconds before the end of the Round.

The Championship Bout was over.

Round 15 ........ Danny Lopez {10-9}

[Bill Paxtom]

~ Danny Lopez Wins ~

As soon as the 15th Round was over, Referee - Harry Gibbs walked over and raised Danny's hand.

The British Gentleman Referee did not even wait for the Scorecards to be read, as he knew that
the American Challenger was far ahead on Points.

To wait for the Official Scorecards, would have been a mere formality anyway.

There were 'no' cheers inside the Accra Sports Stadium, as the 122,000 Ghanan supporters sat in
'stunned' silence, as their National Hero had been thoroughly beaten and battered.

Only a smattering of light applause was heard after the bout.

Directly behind Danny Lopez' corner, their were '5' United States Marines who were clapping and
waving small American Flags, as the 'new' Champion - Danny Lopez walked around the Ring
with the WBC Championship Belt.

There was no big celebration from Danny Lopez and his Team of '3', as the group acted like Professionals
and were humble in their victory.

The fallen Champion - David Kotey and his Group congratulated Danny on his victory, and praised
Danny in his fine performance.



~ 'Little Red' Captures Feather Title ~

~ Danny Lopez Wins 'Secret' Featherweight Title In Ghana ~