May 1980 38 year-old Muhammad Ali, in an effort to show the boxing public that he was still a force to be reckoned with, wanted '2' tune-up bouts in 1980. Enter, Eddie 'The Animal' Lopez, the California-based Heavyweight. A former East Los Angeles, 'street gang-banger' turned boxer, was riding an 18-2-2 (11 KO's) record. Eddie, just came off an interesting 10-Round Draw with former Champion, Leon Spinks in March 1980. The bout, was supposed to take place in Honolulu, Hawaii - for a Saturday Night bout on HBO. Muhammad Ali was trying to pick up a 'quick' $1,250,000, for a 10-Round bout. Eddie 'The Animal' Lopez accepted a fight purse offer of $150,000, plus expenses. The 27 year-old, 6' 1" 205 lb. 'slugger-brawler' is currently ranked as the #9 WBC Heavyweight. Pre-Fight Interview; Muhammad Ali, "I am out to prove to the public that I am a 'force to be reckoned with' in the Heavyweight Division. This 'Chicano' belongs back on the streets of East L.A. and does not belong in the ring with someone with the class of Muhammad Ali." Eddie 'The Animal' Lopez, "I can't believe this 'fat and slow' old man wants to get in the ring with me. He couldn't punch 2-months ago when I sparred with him, so what makes him think that he can punch now." [url] This content is protected [/url]
With Eddie, on the left is long time Olympic Auditorium glove man, Norm Lockwood, on the right is Golden Gloves champion, John Liechty, John is the owner of this photo...This photo was shot at the Olympic Auditorium's dressing rooms....Great post Pepe!
Kikibalt,,,,,,, Thanks for the Kudo's. Eddie 'The Animal' Lopez gave Leon Spinks a 'tough time' in their bout in March 1980. One of those bouts, where a Draw was the 'proper call'. Muhammad Ali wanted to take '2' tune-up bouts before taking on one of the Heavyweight Champions. First, Eddie 'The Animal', then Scott LeDoux. Not sure why Honolulu, Hawaii was chosen as the potential site, as the Olympic would have been perfect. Based upon what Eddie showed versus Leon Spinks, I think he may have been too much for Ali in a 10-Rounder in May 1980. [url] This content is protected [/url]
Marty Monroe chewed up "The Animal" pretty good in 1980 and he disappeared for a couple of years. Ali would have likely outfoxed him enough for a 10-round decision, same with Ledoux.
Honolulul, Hawaii I believe Andy 'The Hawaiian Punch' Ganigan would have been on the 'fight card' too, versus 'newly' crowned WBA Lightweight Champion, Hilmer Kenty. In the Hawaiian Heat, Eddie would have built up a small lead after 5-Rounds, then Ali would have chipped with away with his usual late round '20-second spurts' to battle back, and 'Even Up' the fight after 9-Rounds. Round 10, would be for 'all the marbles'.
In 1980 Ali would have dropped a decision to Lopez. As we all know,Muhammad sadly,had very little left in the tank by this time.
Stevie G, I agree, that is why Muhammad Ali did not want the bout in California. By going to Honolulu, Ali would have the edge in the 'Even Rounds', if you know what I mean. In California, Eddie 'The Animal' wins by 3-points (5-2-3) in Rounds.
