A VERY IMPORTANT MESSAGE REGARDING TONIGHT’S DTLA FIGHTS SHOW AND BOXER DANIEL FRANCO
Dear Friends,
I fell into the boxing business by sheer luck over 12 years ago when a world class boxer came to me for legal advice and then wanted me to become his manager. I have been fortunate to represent multiple World Champions in both boxing and MMA over the years.
But if you have been “in” the boxing business long enough, the incredible highs are unfortunately met with some extreme lows. The same boxers who I witnessed first hand getting their hand raised as Champions, have spent time in hospitals due to head trauma from a bout. Sitting there in the waiting room of a hospital hoping that my fighter’s brain injury is not serious and life threatening is a horrible trade off for the joys of victory experienced with that same fighter.
On June 10th, a close member of the Bash Boxing family, Daniel Franco, was injured in a boxing bout and underwent two emergency surgeries to stop brain bleeds and relieve pressure in his brain. Daniel was in a medically induced coma until a few days ago when doctors brought him out of a coma and his breathing tube and IV tubes were removed. Daniel has been transferred from ICU to a regular hospital bed.
Daniel Franco has fought on 4 of my shows, most recently on March 23rd at the same venue as tonight‘s DTLA Fights show. He is a beautiful kid, was an outstanding student, always put his family and friends first, and was always a pleasure to have on any show. Daniel will remain at Mercy Medical Center in Iowa for several months until he can be transferred to a rehabilitation hospital where he faces a long road to recovery.
Upon learning about Daniel’s injury and battle to stay alive, the usual passion and dedication I invest into my shows disappeared. Thoughts of cancelling tonight’s show circled in my head. But I knew if Daniel could speak, he would have told me to fight on…much like he is doing right now.
The Franco family now faces medical bills that will reach the seven figures. During tonight’s show, we will be holding a silent auction with 100% of the proceeds going to the Franco Family. There will be autographed gloves and photos from boxing’s biggest stars past and present including Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Canelo Alvarez, GGG, Sergey Kovalev, Manny Pacquiao, Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns, Roberto Duran, and others. I have donated over 20 items from my personal collection and we thank others who have donated as well.
If you are unable to make it to the show but would like to help the Franco family in their time of need, please visit and share the Go Fund Me link below:
Thank you for your support. Many boxers, cornermen, and members of the California State Athletic Commission participating in tonight’s show are directly affected by this tragedy and will be at Exchange LA with Daniel Franco and the Franco family in their thoughts and prayers.
