OAKLAND, Calif. – David Lopez returns to the ring on December 20 in Dubai on what is labeled as “the biggest Misfits show to date.”
The unbeaten welterweight announced his signing with Misfits Pro Boxing last week via social media. It is an important brand distinction - Misfits Boxing is an influencer and crossover platform, while Misfits Pro has signed pro boxers such as Amir Anderson and Kayla Gomez.
“I want to be at the forefront of something new in boxing,” Lopez said. “I believe, with my talent and the fans that influencers and crossover boxers bring in, that this could be a new chapter in boxing.”
Lopez, 7-0 (5 KOs), is a fast-rising prospect out of Oakland, California. He captured the imagination via social media with an exciting sparring highlight reel. He also performed in the ring, garnering him recognition as one of the 25 prospects to watch in 2025.
His road to this point, however, has been a winding one.
After early amateur success, he put the sport on hold during high school - at least from a competitor’s level despite training in his father’s gym.
Once he resumed his career, he became the youngest fighter signed to Floyd Mayweather’s promotional company, although he had just one fight with the promotion in 2021. He then signed with DiBella Entertainment in 2023.
His team expressed gratitude to both previous promoters.
“We are grateful for each step of the journey,” Kris Lopez, David’s father and head trainer, told BoxingScene. “It was great to get recognized by one of the best fighters ever, in Floyd Mayweather, and then doing six fights with a Hall of Fame promoter such as Lou DiBella was outstanding.
“Lou created a path for Dave to shine and get more exposure, especially with the OTX Boxing platform.”
Lopez is joining his teammate, Anthony Taylor, who has gone from being an MMA fighter to a high-level B-side opponent, to a marquee attraction in Misfits Boxing. Lopez saw firsthand the exposure Taylor got and how the fanbase backed him.
“I want to transcend the sport,” Lopez said. “I believe that Misfits Boxing is getting people interested in boxing, and having an exciting prospect like me fight on these cards will create the bridge for new fans to follow the sport.”
Kris knows that, despite his son being heavily touted and now having another high-profile promotional deal, nothing is guaranteed in boxing.
“It is harder than you think,” Kris said. “Becoming a world champion is a long journey, but now we are excited. We have two new goals. To win a world title and bring a world title fight to Misfits Boxing at some point. Dave has an exciting style, and I think the fans who tune into these cards will gravitate toward his ability and gifts,” Kris said. “He is a student of the game and has matured into the hardest worker in the gym.”
Lopez is also a model. He is signed by One Management and has been featured in ad campaigns. While some view non-traditional fighters entering boxing as insincere, Lopez embraces the opportunities.
“People are watching crossover and influencer boxing because they know and relate to the people involved,” he said. “I believe this is the future, and I am the first fighter forging a new path in the history of boxing.”
Lucas Ketelle is the author of “Inside the Ropes of Boxing,” a guide for young fighters, a writer for BoxingScene and a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. Find him on X at @BigDogLukie.
