World champion Joshua Franco announced his retirement after eight years of trading blows with some of the best smaller weight fighters in the world.
It was a surprise, but few questioned his decision.
“I’ve been going through a lot of mental problems that I was doing my best to control,” said Franco. “I never talked about it publicly.”
He is 27 years old.
Ever since Franco arrived on the professional scene back in 2015, the prizefighter known as “The Professor” displayed an uncanny knack for beating the opposition. Whether they were stronger or faster or bigger they could never match that big brain of his.
Franco knew what prizefighting is all about.
When Franco arrived in Southern California after signing with Robert Garcia eight years ago, he and several others arrived from Texas like fresh boots ready to go to war. Franco, Hector Tanajara and later Vergil Ortiz arrived to form a Texas club in Riverside, California. That’s where Robert Garcia Boxing Academy is located.
Sparring was fierce as the new recruits would exchange blows and learn from Robert Garcia and his son and others including Mikey Garcia, one of the best fighters in any era. Their sessions included outsiders like Ronny Rios and many others.
When I would ask the young fighters who is the best, they would point to Franco. When I would ask Robert Garcia, he would point to Franco.
Golden Boy Promotions signed Franco and the first time Franco fought in the prize ring was at the beautiful Belasco Theater in downtown Los Angeles. He won by split decision. It was obvious that one judge mixed up the name. He gave the other fighter every round.
Franco fought at Belasco eight times in three years. The small venue that holds maybe 1,000 people was perfect for fight fans to see the young talented boxer from San Antonio. Though he was never a big puncher, he stayed in the pocket and used his skills to outwork whoever was in front of him.
His main asset was always that brain. He seemed to be dissecting his foe bit by bit. Once he found a weakness it was over. And foes with big power discovered that even when a powerful blow connected, the San Antonio fighter rarely blinked.
Prizefighting is all about entertaining. Fans want knockouts, blood and guts and excitement. They also want to see fighters with talent go up the rungs facing better and better talent. Franco knew this.
When asked if he would face a hotshot fighter from Colombia he said yes.
Colombia’s Negrete
Oscar “El Jaguar” Negrete had speed, skills and a lot of charisma. Fans liked the Colombian fighter’s style and willingness to trade with anyone. When an opening to fight Rey Vargas for a world title came up, he jumped at it. Though he lost by decision he went the distance.
Golden Boy matched Negrete with Franco at the OC Hangar on October 2018, and fans that had watched both fighters at Belasco Theater and Fantasy Springs Casino, rubbed their hands with glee in anticipation. They were not disappointed.
Pitting Franco and Negrete together was like tossing a cigarette lighter into a tumbler filled with nitroglycerine.
The OC Hangar has always been a spot where promoter Roy Englebrecht has staged spectacular monthly fights. On this occasion, Franco and Negrete set the bar to its highest level with rousing levels of punches.
For 10 rounds the two bantamweights exchanged lightning blows that connected with booms and each time one landed, the other fighter would respond immediately. They tried punches to the body and blows to the head. Both looking for weaknesses in the other’s game.
Just when you thought one fighter had an advantage and was about to close the show, the other would rally with even more vigor and the crowd would go crazy.
When Franco accepted the fight, he was not considered the favorite, especially with Negrete already competing for a world title. But that night Franco let the world know he was ready for world class competition.
After 10 rounds the fight was ruled a split draw. Fans did not complain and the media nodded their heads in agreement. It was just too close to declare a winner.
It was so close they agreed to do it again six months later at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio. Both felt they won the first confrontation and were vocal about settling it in the ring. On April 2019, they went at it again but this time for the NABF title.
Just like the first fight both erupted on each other like two pit bulls clashing for one bowl of food. It was explosive and there were no surprises. One change in tactics seemed to be Franco targeting the body more. It seemed to slow down Negrete but not by much.
After 10 rounds Franco was declared the winner by split decision.
Once again it was close and once again Golden Boy Promotions decided to match them up, but this time in Texas. As in their first two clashes, the third encounter was razor close and this time another split draw.
After 30 rounds of tit-for-tat explosive action, it was decided to move on.
Pandemic
When the coronavirus struck the USA it was a death blow to all spectator sports. The world stayed inside their homes and restaurants and other forms of entertainment were shut down. Some for good.
Combat sports found a way to circumvent the spreading Covid-19 virus by testing and not allowing the regular public to attend the fights. Through television and other streaming entities, the world of boxing returned in late spring.
Though Franco was contracted to Golden Boy Promotions, he was allowed to fight on a Top Rank card staged in Las Vegas on June 23, 2020. His opponent was Australia’s Andrew Moloney the WBA super flyweight titlist.
No fans were in attendance when Franco dropped down to the 115-pound weight limit to face the rugged Aussie at the MGM Bubble. The fight was shown on ESPN and they saw what only fans on the West Coast had seen. Franco knows how to fight.
It was a strange situation watching a championship fight with no fans to cheer. Every blow and grunt was picked up by the microphones. Franco was able to display his boxing mastery in the ring that day. He had an answer for every puzzle and more.
In the 11th round Franco connected and Moloney went down. That proved the difference in the fight as Franco won by close scores of 114-113 twice and 115-112. He captured the WBC super flyweight world title.
They would fight two more times and Franco proved two more times that professional boxing has another level that separates champions from other champions. That mental edge of knowing how to win a fight when knockouts are not available.
After a clash of heads ended their second fight in a no-decision, Franco won the third fight by unanimous decision and moved on. Sadly, the pandemic did not allow fans to enjoy the classic confrontations but last year most of the world opened up.
Unification
Last December, WBA titlist Franco eagerly agreed to face WBO super flyweight titlist Kazuto Ioka in a unification match in Japan.
Franco was eager to fight in front of Japan’s eager boxing fans and face four-division champion Ioka.
The Texan was eager for the challenge and proved it with 12 rounds of back-and-forth ferocity that saw two judges score it dead even and one favor Franco. The match was declared a majority draw and both kept their titles.
Both champions agreed to a rematch and last weekend on June 24, the two met in Japan once again. But this time, Franco could not make the 115-pound weight limit. The fight did proceed but the Texan was unable to keep his title regardless of the outcome.
Franco did not win and was not the same as in their first encounter. Ioka won by unanimous decision and added the WBA title to his collection. The Texan announced his retirement.
“Last night in Tokyo, Japan was officially my last fight. It was a tough week for me and I didn’t get the result I wanted but I leave this sport knowing I gave it everything I had,” said Franco via social media.
Though still in his 20s, he leaves a solid legacy and his brother Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez remains in the game.
Thanks for the exciting ride, Professor.
Manchester Fights
Undisputed super middleweight world champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn (8-1, 2 KOs) meets England’s Savannah Marshall (12-1, 10 KOs) on Saturday July 1, at the AO Arena in Manchester, England. ESPN+ will televise the BOXXER Promotions card.
Crews and Marshall are two of the strongest women in the sport. They met before as amateurs and both need a win to fight Claressa Shields the only person to beat either fighter.
Also, Natasha Jonas (13-2-1, 8 KOs) drops down in weight to meet Kandi Wyatt (11-4, 3 KOs) in a welterweight bout for the vacant IBF welterweight title.
Heavyweight Battle in Toledo
Heavyweight contender Jared “Big Baby” Anderson (14-0, 14 KOs) faces former world titlist Charles Martin (29-3-1, 26 KOs) in the main event on Saturday July 1, at Toledo, Ohio. ESPN will televise the Top Rank card.
Anderson has never heard the final bell. All 14 opponents have been knocked out by the heavyweight contender.
Fights to Watch
Sat. ESPN+ 11 a.m. Franchon Crews-Dezurn (8-1) vs Savannah Marshall (12-1).
Sat, ESPN 7 p.m. Jared Anderson (14-0) vs Charles Martin (29-3-1).
Franco/Negrete photo credit: Al Applerose
It was a surprise, but few questioned his decision.
“I’ve been going through a lot of mental problems that I was doing my best to control,” said Franco. “I never talked about it publicly.”
He is 27 years old.
Ever since Franco arrived on the professional scene back in 2015, the prizefighter known as “The Professor” displayed an uncanny knack for beating the opposition. Whether they were stronger or faster or bigger they could never match that big brain of his.
Franco knew what prizefighting is all about.
When Franco arrived in Southern California after signing with Robert Garcia eight years ago, he and several others arrived from Texas like fresh boots ready to go to war. Franco, Hector Tanajara and later Vergil Ortiz arrived to form a Texas club in Riverside, California. That’s where Robert Garcia Boxing Academy is located.
Sparring was fierce as the new recruits would exchange blows and learn from Robert Garcia and his son and others including Mikey Garcia, one of the best fighters in any era. Their sessions included outsiders like Ronny Rios and many others.
When I would ask the young fighters who is the best, they would point to Franco. When I would ask Robert Garcia, he would point to Franco.
Golden Boy Promotions signed Franco and the first time Franco fought in the prize ring was at the beautiful Belasco Theater in downtown Los Angeles. He won by split decision. It was obvious that one judge mixed up the name. He gave the other fighter every round.
Franco fought at Belasco eight times in three years. The small venue that holds maybe 1,000 people was perfect for fight fans to see the young talented boxer from San Antonio. Though he was never a big puncher, he stayed in the pocket and used his skills to outwork whoever was in front of him.
His main asset was always that brain. He seemed to be dissecting his foe bit by bit. Once he found a weakness it was over. And foes with big power discovered that even when a powerful blow connected, the San Antonio fighter rarely blinked.
Prizefighting is all about entertaining. Fans want knockouts, blood and guts and excitement. They also want to see fighters with talent go up the rungs facing better and better talent. Franco knew this.
When asked if he would face a hotshot fighter from Colombia he said yes.
Colombia’s Negrete
Oscar “El Jaguar” Negrete had speed, skills and a lot of charisma. Fans liked the Colombian fighter’s style and willingness to trade with anyone. When an opening to fight Rey Vargas for a world title came up, he jumped at it. Though he lost by decision he went the distance.
Golden Boy matched Negrete with Franco at the OC Hangar on October 2018, and fans that had watched both fighters at Belasco Theater and Fantasy Springs Casino, rubbed their hands with glee in anticipation. They were not disappointed.
Pitting Franco and Negrete together was like tossing a cigarette lighter into a tumbler filled with nitroglycerine.
The OC Hangar has always been a spot where promoter Roy Englebrecht has staged spectacular monthly fights. On this occasion, Franco and Negrete set the bar to its highest level with rousing levels of punches.
For 10 rounds the two bantamweights exchanged lightning blows that connected with booms and each time one landed, the other fighter would respond immediately. They tried punches to the body and blows to the head. Both looking for weaknesses in the other’s game.
Just when you thought one fighter had an advantage and was about to close the show, the other would rally with even more vigor and the crowd would go crazy.
When Franco accepted the fight, he was not considered the favorite, especially with Negrete already competing for a world title. But that night Franco let the world know he was ready for world class competition.
After 10 rounds the fight was ruled a split draw. Fans did not complain and the media nodded their heads in agreement. It was just too close to declare a winner.
It was so close they agreed to do it again six months later at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio. Both felt they won the first confrontation and were vocal about settling it in the ring. On April 2019, they went at it again but this time for the NABF title.
Just like the first fight both erupted on each other like two pit bulls clashing for one bowl of food. It was explosive and there were no surprises. One change in tactics seemed to be Franco targeting the body more. It seemed to slow down Negrete but not by much.
After 10 rounds Franco was declared the winner by split decision.
Once again it was close and once again Golden Boy Promotions decided to match them up, but this time in Texas. As in their first two clashes, the third encounter was razor close and this time another split draw.
After 30 rounds of tit-for-tat explosive action, it was decided to move on.
Pandemic
When the coronavirus struck the USA it was a death blow to all spectator sports. The world stayed inside their homes and restaurants and other forms of entertainment were shut down. Some for good.
Combat sports found a way to circumvent the spreading Covid-19 virus by testing and not allowing the regular public to attend the fights. Through television and other streaming entities, the world of boxing returned in late spring.
Though Franco was contracted to Golden Boy Promotions, he was allowed to fight on a Top Rank card staged in Las Vegas on June 23, 2020. His opponent was Australia’s Andrew Moloney the WBA super flyweight titlist.
No fans were in attendance when Franco dropped down to the 115-pound weight limit to face the rugged Aussie at the MGM Bubble. The fight was shown on ESPN and they saw what only fans on the West Coast had seen. Franco knows how to fight.
It was a strange situation watching a championship fight with no fans to cheer. Every blow and grunt was picked up by the microphones. Franco was able to display his boxing mastery in the ring that day. He had an answer for every puzzle and more.
In the 11th round Franco connected and Moloney went down. That proved the difference in the fight as Franco won by close scores of 114-113 twice and 115-112. He captured the WBC super flyweight world title.
They would fight two more times and Franco proved two more times that professional boxing has another level that separates champions from other champions. That mental edge of knowing how to win a fight when knockouts are not available.
After a clash of heads ended their second fight in a no-decision, Franco won the third fight by unanimous decision and moved on. Sadly, the pandemic did not allow fans to enjoy the classic confrontations but last year most of the world opened up.
Unification
Last December, WBA titlist Franco eagerly agreed to face WBO super flyweight titlist Kazuto Ioka in a unification match in Japan.
Franco was eager to fight in front of Japan’s eager boxing fans and face four-division champion Ioka.
The Texan was eager for the challenge and proved it with 12 rounds of back-and-forth ferocity that saw two judges score it dead even and one favor Franco. The match was declared a majority draw and both kept their titles.
Both champions agreed to a rematch and last weekend on June 24, the two met in Japan once again. But this time, Franco could not make the 115-pound weight limit. The fight did proceed but the Texan was unable to keep his title regardless of the outcome.
Franco did not win and was not the same as in their first encounter. Ioka won by unanimous decision and added the WBA title to his collection. The Texan announced his retirement.
“Last night in Tokyo, Japan was officially my last fight. It was a tough week for me and I didn’t get the result I wanted but I leave this sport knowing I gave it everything I had,” said Franco via social media.
Though still in his 20s, he leaves a solid legacy and his brother Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez remains in the game.
Thanks for the exciting ride, Professor.
Manchester Fights
Undisputed super middleweight world champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn (8-1, 2 KOs) meets England’s Savannah Marshall (12-1, 10 KOs) on Saturday July 1, at the AO Arena in Manchester, England. ESPN+ will televise the BOXXER Promotions card.
Crews and Marshall are two of the strongest women in the sport. They met before as amateurs and both need a win to fight Claressa Shields the only person to beat either fighter.
Also, Natasha Jonas (13-2-1, 8 KOs) drops down in weight to meet Kandi Wyatt (11-4, 3 KOs) in a welterweight bout for the vacant IBF welterweight title.
Heavyweight Battle in Toledo
Heavyweight contender Jared “Big Baby” Anderson (14-0, 14 KOs) faces former world titlist Charles Martin (29-3-1, 26 KOs) in the main event on Saturday July 1, at Toledo, Ohio. ESPN will televise the Top Rank card.
Anderson has never heard the final bell. All 14 opponents have been knocked out by the heavyweight contender.
Fights to Watch
Sat. ESPN+ 11 a.m. Franchon Crews-Dezurn (8-1) vs Savannah Marshall (12-1).
Sat, ESPN 7 p.m. Jared Anderson (14-0) vs Charles Martin (29-3-1).
Franco/Negrete photo credit: Al Applerose