Junior wrestler David Lopez, 20, has caught the attention of fans. quickly with his stage performance But credit his last opponent for giving him a true championship experience. And now he’s inspired as the top dog at his dad’s gym. It was once home to many local professionals— Now he’s the last one left.
Lopez faces Marlin Sims in a six-round bout at Corey Studios in Atlanta on Friday. and aims to end the year with a strong performance.
Lopez, from Oakland, California, is the son of former boxer and gym owner Chris “Lightning” Lopez. David grew up in his father’s gym. By watching the training of professional fighters. and is often spoken of as ‘The next big thing’ He had his last amateur fight when he was about 12 years old, but his name didn’t receive the same national attention as others. who participated in the Olympics or won multiple national championships in the youth and elite categories That is, until he made his professional debut. With a record of 6-0 (4 KO), Lopez reflected on the surreal feeling of seeing his future unfold.
“It’s exciting for me when I hear the kids. Came up to me and asked, ‘Are you Dynamite David Lopez?’” said Lopez. “I swear, a few years ago, I was 14 years old, just getting back into the sport. The promoter wasn’t looking at me. And no one really knows. Who am I? So seeing how rewarding my work is. And how can it be seen by others? It is truly a blessing.”
Pedro Pinillo, López’s last opponent Test him in July. and took him to a six-round unanimous decision. Although Pinillo has a 5-9 (5 KO) record, López is aware of the valuable experience he has gained. “Pinillo is an opponent with a lot of amateur experience and a lot of professional experience,” said López. “It taught me to fight at my own pace. Not everyone can be eliminated.”
Sims, 32, was stopped in two of his last three fights and went six rounds against Dominique Crowder in 2021, suffering his first loss after making weight. Fighter from Gibsonton Florida brings an 8-3 (4 KO) record to the ring and will be fighting for the first time in 2024 with 46 professional rounds of experience. When compared López has played just 14 rounds in his career. López sees this as another step forward in the competition.
“He’s definitely a rising opponent,” said López. “I feel like a lot of guys see someone’s stats and overlook them. But I never overlook my opponent. I truly treat every fighter like they are world champions. I went on stage like I was facing a legend.”
Lucas Ketelle is a proud member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and author of “Inside The Ropes of Boxing” (available on Amazon). Contact him on X @LukieBoxing.
