After suffering his lone defeat to Rey Vargas in a championship bout in December of last year, Oscar Negrete bounced back with a unanimous decision victory over Diuhl Olguin back in July earlier this year.
This Thursday, October 4, he’ll step back into the ring against Joshua Franco. He will be looking to continue to make the Vargas fight a distant memory.
“I’ve had a great training camp thank God. I’m just ready to get back into the ring and fight a very tough opponent in Joshua Franco,” said Negrete to Round By Round Boxing in a recent interview that was translated by Gabriel Rivas of Golden Boy Promotions. “I know that Franco is a very technical boxer and that he has a very good left uppercut. I’m prepared for everything.”
Many fighters that suffer their first loss are left devastated. They often times make excuses as to why they loss as well. Negrete’s excuses would be well warranted as he moved up four pounds to the Junior Featherweight division for the opportunity to face Vargas after campaigning at a division lower, Bantamweight.
Negrete however has chosen to neither complain nor look for excuses as to why he lost. Instead he has looked at his performance in a more positive light. Refusing to take away any credit from Vargas and instead has gained confidence from his performance moving forward.
“I don’t think the weight made any difference during the fight because Vargas has the frame of someone who can make 118 pounds,” said Negrete. “He just did a great job of using his height and reach advantage against me, all credit to him. I did go the full 12 rounds with a great fighter and champion like Vargas. It gives me confidence that I can become a champion here at 118 or even at 122 pounds.”
Negrete will not only bring his new found confidence into the ring this coming Thursday but also moving forward as he has his eyes set on the champions at both Bantamweight and Junior Featherweight.
“After the Vargas fight me and my team sat down to discuss what’s the next best option for me. My understanding is that every world title is involved in the World Boxing Super Series Tournament except the WBC title,” said Negrete. “Rau’shee Warren is fighting someone for the vacant title. I would like to fight the winner, but if the opportunity presented itself at 122 to fight for another title I would take it. I am also willing to fight a title eliminator at 122 pounds as well.”
Negrete’s focus seems to be all on his upcoming foe Joshua Franco. He’s also aware of the opportunities that could possibly be waiting him shall he come out victorious. Both at Bantamweight and Junior Featherweight.
A rematch with Rey Vargas? A showdown with Rau’shee Warren? The options Negrete will have to choose from will be aplenty, but first he has to get through Franco. Make no mistake about it. That will be no easy task.
Who do you think will win? Comment below to choose your fighter.
Header photo by Marlene Marquez of PoundForPound.com
