He always fought, no matter if he was in condition or not. Many people, including myself and especially Charlie Gallegos, dedicated many days and months to help Dan Dan see the better side of life, as he was raised around drugs and violence since his birth. He always struggled with life and couldn't change, no matter how hard his coaches and friends tried to help him. Well, today, Dan Dan "Hitman" Solano got his final fix . . . He was one of my son's friends, as Vicente always helped Dan Dan out as much as he could, to try and see the other side of life. I remember the day Dan Dan called me from prison, to give me his condolences about Vicente's death. It was the first time I ever heard Dan Dan almost cry--it was something Dan Dan never showed in public. God rest your soul, Dan Dan "Hitman" Solano. . . . There are many 'Dan Dans' out there, coaches of boxing. Please don't give up on them. We may not change them, but they always know who tried to help them.
-- Robert Padilla

Well, what can I say, but I am lost of words. Dan Dan was like my little brother. I had just seen Dan Dan a couple days ago and now he's gone. GOD BLESS.

He was staying here in Rio Rancho with me and he was motivated while I was getting ready to fight in Finland. He missed boxing and wanted to get healthy again to fight. I was trying to keep him away from the negativity there in Las Vegas, but you only could do so much.
-- Shawn Gallegos
Although I knew Dan Dan from covering the boxing scene, I really got to know the "Hitman" while he was my student at the Santa Fe Penitentiary. He was a bright kid and did not need to study much in order to pass his GED exams. He would come to class to get out of his cell, and to catch up on the boxing scene. I'd pass on printouts of NewMexicoBoxing.com for him to take back to his cell. He talked alot about fighting again - and he hoped to stay away from the gangsta lifestyle he was living in Las Vegas, but doubted he'd be able to do it. He was behind bars when his good friend, Vincente Garcia, was murdered--and it visibly affected him. Despite some of his actions and lifestyle, deep down, he was a good kid and had a good heart. R.I.P. Dan Dan Solano.
-- Chris Cozzone
Our condolences go out to Dan's Family's and friends. He had so much potential but was not able to get out of the gang life style. And was fearless of anything and anybody. I know how much Charlie and Shawn tried to straighten him out. But Dan had a mind of his own. Truly a sad thing and hope that other's can learn something from this. May god bless him and his family.
--Lenny Fresquez
On behalf of Success Only, we'd lie to send our condolences to the family and friends of Dan Dan. We were looking forward to working with him as soon as he got better, but now he is in a better ring--a ring of our maker, living it up with no worries looking down and looking out for his friends and family. Once again, our prayers are with you guys.
-- Success Only Ent.
On behalf of Danial "Dan Dan" Solano's family we thank you for the kind words. Dan Dan will forever live in our hearts. Charles and Shawn, he loved you both very much , I would like to tell the both of you thank you for all you did for him and all you tried to do for him. We miss him dearly and love him with all our hearts, please continue to pray for us, god bless us all. Londi Ramirez
Words cannot express the loss of my nephew but be it what ever it was he does come from a great familly that is notall gangs and drugs . We are a prominent family but Dan Dan decided to take his own path. Please don't condemm us all for we all tried, who better than his grandmother Lorraine who loved him so and only prayed that he change his ways. But, he had a path to follow for what ever reason. Dan Dan you are not alone Grama Cruz, Grampa Candido will keep you safe in the heavens and We love you no matter the drugs, gangs etc. Your loving Auntie.
All I can say is the fun road for Dan Dan came to an end to soon he was my
lil cousin but he was bigger than me. I remember the fun times when he would go to my trailer and we would just roll dice for money and then he would take my throw back jersey cause he would always somehow win. But he was a good man and I will miss him a lot I just know that he lived a good life cause he lived it the way that he wanted to no matter who would tell him anything so Dan Dan my brother I will miss you take care my man.
DARIO ORTIZ
Id like to say that Dan Dan was a very good person especially to me. He always treated me with respect. Dan Dan of course as some of you know was exposed to some drug use, but he was not brought around drugs as most people may think. Some people who go to prison are often exposed to such demons with or without having been exposed to drugs in their childhood. And to that, the condition of the family and any drug use is none of any ones concern. He made his own choices in life and that is between him and the Lord. He’s in our hearts and will always be. –Uncle Butch and Jess

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Dan Dan (aka Boxer) you will always live in our hearts. You were more my brother than my nephew and a piece of me died with you. Thank you for allowing all of us to share your life and experiences with you. Marcos looked up to you and he misses you so. Remember to look down upon us and smile because I will always remember you with a smile on your face. Your life will always serve as an inspiration to all that you touched. We will always love you. Thank you to all of those in the New Mexico boxing community that helped Dan Dan. Boxing was his life and because of all of you, he was able to realize his biggest dreams. -- Your Tio Frank
I remember Dan Dan as a little kid in the Las Vegas, NM Boxing Gym. (upstairs from the old police station) Years later Dan Dan was in the ring helping me get ready for a fight scheduled in Las Vegas, NM. I would have to admit, he was no longer punching like a kid. I was having trouble with his hanging right hand. No matter how low he held it, it would always seem to land! After our sparring sessions at the Rio Rancho, Boxing Gym Dan Dan and I would talk about my career at Intel, College, Boxing, Jail etc.. He had a way of communicating - I remember him telling me "Remember you were huge?" (I was over 200lbs playing rugby for the Vatos Rugby team at Highlands University at the time.) I explained to him that I needed the weight for rugby, his response was "good because I thought you were done with boxing for sure" Before my fight in Las Vegas, him and Charles Gallegos got me ready with the mitts, nothing but positivity came out of his mouth! Dan Dan was a good person and will be missed! - R.I.P Your Boy Michael Coca Gallegos