California Boxing Prospect Michael Franco Goes For WBC Youth Title
He’s one of Southern California’s hottest prospects, and with 14 wins and no losses, 21-year old Michael “Lil’ Warrior†Franco has gotten the boxing world buzzing.
On Saturday, May 30, the super bantamweight powerhouse will look to win his first professional title when he takes on Juan Jose Beltran for the WBC Youth belt at American Sports University in San Bernardino, California.
Also in action will be some of the top rising stars in the sport, including Anthony Villarreal, Kerry Foley, and Efrain Esquivas.
The pride of Riverside, California, 21-year old Michael Franco (14-0, 9 KOs) passed on a college baseball scholarship to follow his dreams of boxing glory, and he has no regrets.
46-1 as an amateur, Franco turned pro in 2005 and has been tearing through his opposition ever since. Fresh off a 68 second knockout of Antonio Diaz in February, The “Lil’ Warrior†is eager to get back in the ring for another spectacular performance.
Standing in his way on May 30th will be hard-nosed Los Mochis, Mexico battler Juan Jose Beltran (19-12-3, 11 KOs). Beltran is a fighter who is never in a bad fight, and with his recent win over 29-6-1 Akihiko Nago fresh in fight fans’ minds, he’s thinking upset this weekend.
Known as the “Baby Assassinâ€, Riverside flyweight Anthony Villarreal (6-2, 4 KOs) brings the pain every time he steps into the ring.
Just 22, Villareal is on a five fight winning streak that includes a win over previously unbeaten Manuel Roman in April that netted him the WBC Youth international title. He will face Phoenix’ Jaime Gutierrez (3-2) in a six rounder.
A highly touted super middleweight from Sydney, Australia, Kerry Foley (10-0, 8 KOs) will make his United States debut on Saturday against always tough Terrance Smith (5-10-2, 3 KOs) of Oklahoma City.
The 2006 National Golden Gloves Champion, Carson, California’s Efrain Esquivas (4-0) looks to keep his perfect pro record intact when he takes on Oxnard’s Miguel Reza (3-4-1) in a super bantamweight six rounder.
Also on the May 30th bill will be a light heavyweight matchup between Anatoly Dudchonka (4-2, 4 KOs) and William Harmon (6-7, 5 KOs), a super bantamweight clash pitting Jesus Adame (1-3) against Frankie Gutierrez (1-6-1, 1 KO) and a bantamweight bout featuring debuting Richard Contreras against Miseal Martinez (0-9).
The weigh-in for the event is open to the public and will be held on Friday, May 29th at 1PM at 399 D. Street in San Bernardino.
Franco vs Beltran, a ten round WBC Youth super bantamweight championship fight, headlines an exciting afternoon of professional boxing presented by II Feathers Promotions. Doors open at 1:00pm and the first bell rings at 3:00pm.
American Sports University, the nation’s only four year university dedicated to sports management, and the home to the WBC Legends of Boxing Museum, is located at 374 Court Street in San Bernardino.
Tickets, priced at $20, $35, $75, and $100, may be purchased by calling 760-559-6419 or 909-889-5555.
Bouts subject to change.