The murmurs are loud when it comes to the talents of David Lopez.
An Oakland, California, native, Lopez (4-0, 3 KOs) is set to return to the ring against Anthony Mora in Atlanta on April 19.
A 20-year-old, 6-foot southpaw, Lopez will make his first foray into six-round fights when he faces the 35-year-old Mora (3-1-1, 2 KOs).
Lopez is a product of Lightning’s Boxing Club, the gym run by his father and trainer, Kris Lopez. The elder Lopez recently spoke to Boxing Scene about his son’s progress in the ring.
“He has been hit with only one big shot in his first four fights,” Kris said of David. The thing that makes him different is, when he lands, he has one-punch knockout power in both hands.”
The younger Lopez, who once carried one of Andre Ward’s world titles to the ring (for his fight against Paul Smith), is evolving into one of the most talked-about prospects in boxing. His exciting knockouts have gone viral on social media, the thought of which brought a smile to his father’s face.
“It is flattering to see fight fans enjoying his style,” Kris said. “I must admit, I am a fan of Dave’s fighting style as well.”
Already a well-rounded boxer, David spent a good part of his youth in U.S. Amateur Boxing – but never left his father’s East Oakland gym to train elsewhere. He watched local welterweight Luis Garcia win a regional title and Patterson, California, middleweight Aaron Coley win hard fights on the road. Now it is his turn to carve out his niche for Oakland boxing.
With the career of Steph Curry likely beginning to draw down, the younger Lopez – who bears a slight resemblance to Curry – hopes he can become the next major fixture on the Bay Area sports landscape.
“I just expect a lot from him, and I am a necessary evil for his success,” Kris said of his son. “He is a quiet and nice kid. I have to be the villain at times to protect him. In time, he will evolve into one of the most exciting fighters in the sport.”