On Thursday, March 23, 2017, Daniel “Twitch” Franco (15-0-3, 10 KOs) returns to the ring at the Exchange LA, against tough veteran Chris “S.D. Kid” Martin (29-8-3, 9 KOs).
The fight, presented by Bash Boxing, will be the first time in over two years that the Rancho Cucamonga, CA, based Franco will be fighting in Southern California.
“I’m really excited for all the friends and family support, I’m used to traveling a few days before the fight, so it’s weird to be so close to home,” said Franco.
During this two year period, Franco became a fixture on the undercard of Andre Ward matchups at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, CA. Most recently Franco had the biggest win of his career, knocking out previously undefeated prospect Derrick Murray in the fourth round of their November 2016 bout in Washington DC. “It was a really cool experience being around the people involved in the event,” said Franco.
The bout, which was part of the annual Fight for Children Fight Night cause, brings together prominent political, business, sports and media figures for charity. Franco captured the vacant IBF-USBA Featherweight title in his win and announced his arrival on the world stage, ranking 15th in the latest IBF rankings.
On the undercard of Thursday’s DTLA Fights event, Franco’s stablemate, Robert Ochoa, will be making his professional debut. Speaking to his own character, Franco spoke in glowing terms of the pride he feels in being a part of Ochoa’s ascent from the amateurs to now entering the professional ranks of the sport.
Franco explained that helping to infuse knowledge, give pointers and helping Ochoa–the way others have helped him–is what he takes great pride in.
Franco’s recent success has only continued to fuel his motivation toward a world title.
“All that matters to me is the fight and working, nothing else should matter. I’m always trying to improve, whether it’s strength, conditioning, footwork and strategy, I’m always progressing to improve everything,” said Franco.
Franco knows the fight with Martin will provide a challenge as well. “I’m not taking him lightly; he has been in there with world champions, like Jhonny Gonzalez, I’m pushing to win more convincingly, to do better than anyone he has faced,” said Franco.
When asked on what he thinks about his future in 2017, Franco simply and succinctly stated, “This will be my breakout year.”
You can follow Daniel “Twitch” Franco on Twitter and Instagram @DanielTwitch
Header photo by Laura Wong
