Last October, Oscar Negrete (18-1-1, 7 KOs) found himself in a Fight of the Year candidate against Joshua Franco (14-1-1, 7 KOs).
It was a back and forth contest that gave the fans exactly what they wanted to see. Often times, they stood in the middle of the ring and traded heavy leather. When the final bell rang every one at The Hanger, in Costa Mesa, California stood on their feet.
The final result left a bit to be desired as the judges scored the contest a draw. Neither fighter was happy with the results but luckily for boxing fans these two get to do it again Thursday night on April 25th.
Come they will get a chance to settle the score. California has once again been chosen as the destination for the fight, but this time it will take place at Fantasy Springs Casino.
For Negrete, 31, he will have his NABF Bantamweight title on the line. He plans on making sure the cards are in his favor.
“I will make it much clearer to the judges,” Negrete told Round By Round Boxing during a recent phone interview. “ Unfortunately I allowed him to get himself back in the fight which is my mistake. I won’t make that mistake again.”
With these fighters being so evenly matched, fans are in surely in for another classic. As for what he plans on doing differently this time around, Negrete says he has a few tricks up his sleeve.
“I was winning the first few rounds easy, but as the fight went on my opponent started to box. I could have done a better job of cutting off the ring and applying better pressure.”
Negrete has a tremendous amount of respect for his opponent. He gave him high praise as he continued his interview.
“I would say that Franco is the second best opponent I have ever fought. He is a very good fighter but I know that I am better. I will prove it come fight night.”
Negrete may be focused on the 23-year-old Franco, he also has one eye on another title opportunity. Negrete’s lone defeat came when he moved up to the Super Bantamweight division to challenge current WBC champion Rey Vargas.
If Negrete wants to continue his pursuit of a world title he will need to take care of business against Franco. If the first fight is any indication, then that will not be easy but it will be fun—and worth the wait.
