Ernie “Indian Red” Lopez, older brother of champion Danny “Little Red” Lopez was a Welterweight contender who fought often at the Olympic and twice for the world title at the Forum, losing both times to the great Jose Napoles of Mexico. Born on the Ute Indian reservation, his father was an abusive alcoholic and he and his seven siblings were sent to foster care. He ended up in Los Angeles and became a star, but after his second loss to Napoles, became despondent, depressed and angry, according to his brother Danny. He disappeared, wandering the country for 12 year until he was found by his family in Texas. He came home in 2004 and passed away in 2009 from complications with of pugilistic dementia. Photo: Theo Ehret
