Los Angeles, CA (March 14, 2016) Top undefeated junior lightweight prospect Daniel “Twitch” Franco, 12-0-3 (7 KOs), will make his 2016 debut on Saturday, March 26 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California against battle tested Mexican veteran German “Panteonero” Meraz, 52-37-1 (30 KOs) in a scheduled eight-round featherweight bout.
Franco vs. Meraz is presented by Roc Nation Sports and will be featured as a special attraction to the 12-round IBF number one position and mandatory position eliminator main event between Two-Time World Champion and top-rated pound-for-pound fighter Andre Ward (28-0, 15 KOs) and number one rated IBF light heavyweight contender Sullivan Barrera (17-0, 12 KOs).
“I’m thrilled to be getting back in the ring,” said the 24-year-old Franco. “I’ve been training at my home gym, Warzone Boxing Club in Rancho Cucamonga, and have also been sparring in Los Angeles and Oxnard.”
A professional for five years, Franco capped off a three-fight 2015 campaign with an eight-round decision victory over Hector Garcia on December 21. His year also included a first-round knockout of Sergio Najera and an eight-round decision over Jonathan Alcantara.
“I’ve been eight rounds now twice, a couple more eight rounders and I’ll be ready for ten rounds. I can see how much better and smarter I’m getting with each fight,” said Franco.
Stated Franco’s manager, Ray Chaparro, “With his signing with Roc Nation Sports, we feel very comfortable with the direction that Daniel’s career is headed. This is his second time fighting in Oakland on Andre’s undercard and we’re looking for a future fight this year to be televised. Fight fans in Southern California know how exciting of a fighter Daniel is and we’re confident that his fan-friendly style will win over the masses.”
Franco was a solid amateur, compiling a record of 67-15 with a style much more suited to the professional ranks.
In regards to his unique nickname, Franco said, “When I was an amateur I was squared up a lot, so my dad (Al Franco), who still trains me, kept on reminding me to keep my left shoulder aligned with my chin and used the word “twitch” to remind me. It’s unique and memorable.”
About his walkout music for March 26, Franco stated, “I’ve been using a combination of ‘California Love/No Me Se Rajar’ for my last few fights and it’s gotten a great reaction from the fans so we’re sticking with that.”
Ward vs. Barrera, a 12-round IBF number one position and mandatory position eliminator which is presented by Roc Nation Sports in association with Main Events, takes place Saturday, March 26, 2016 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. The event is sponsored by Corona Extra, Ticketmaster, Corporate Travel Management Solutions (ctms), Glad, Lyft, Zappos, BodyArmor, SAN Nutrition, Shoe Palace and The Waterfront Hotel. The event will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT. Opening the HBO telecast will be Joseph Diaz Jr. vs. Jayson Velez in a 10-round fight for the NABF Featherweight title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions.
Tickets priced at $300, $150, $100, $50 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes are available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com (bit.ly/WardBarreraTix) and charge by phone at (800) 745-3000.