David Lopez is taking nothing for granted ahead of his next step up in competition

Junior welterweight David Lopez, 20, has quickly captured fans’ attention with his ring performances, but credits his last opponent for providing him with real championship experience and now finds motivation as the top dog in his father’s gym, once home to many local pros—now he is the last one left.

Lopez faces Marlin Sims in a six-round bout at Corey Studios in Atlanta on Friday and is aiming to finish the year with a strong showing.

Lopez, from Oakland, California, is the son of former boxer and gym owner Kris “Lightning” Lopez. Growing up in his father’s gym, David watched pro fighters train and was often whispered about as “the next big thing.” He took his last amateur fight at around 12, but his name didn’t gain the same national attention as others who went on to the Olympics or won multiple national titles in the youth and elite division. That was until his professional debut. With a record of 6-0 (4 KOs), Lopez reflects on the surreal feeling of seeing his future unfold.

“It’s a thrill for me when I hear kids come up to me and ask, ‘Are you Dynamite David Lopez?’” Lopez said. “I swear, just a few years ago, I was 14, just getting back into the sport. Promoters weren’t looking at me, and nobody really knew who I was. So to see how my work is paying off and how I’m able to be seen, it’s truly a blessing.”

Lopez’s last opponent, Pedro Pinillo, tested him in July, taking him to a six-round unanimous decision. Despite Pinillo’s record of 5-9 (5 KOs), Lopez recognizes the valuable experience he gained. “Pinillo was a game opponent with amateur experience and plenty of pro experience,” Lopez said. “It taught me to fight at my own pace. Not everyone is going to get knocked out.”

Sims, 32, has been stopped in two of his last three fights and went six rounds with Dominique Crowder in 2021, suffering his first loss after stepping up in weight. The fighter from Gibsonton, Florida brings a record of 8-3 (4 KOs) into the ring and will be having his first fight in 2024, with 46 professional rounds of experience. In comparison, Lopez has gone just 14 rounds in his career. Lopez views this as another step up in competition.

“He is definitely a step-up opponent,” Lopez said. “I feel like a lot of guys see someone’s record and overlook them, but I never overlook my opponents. I truly treat every fighter like they’re a world champion. I go into the ring like I’m 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.