Local boxer Daniel Franco in coma following knockout loss to Jose Haro
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Inland Empire boxer Daniel “Twitch” Franco is comatose after undergoing emergency surgery to stop bleeding in his brain following a knockout loss to featherweight Jose Haro on Saturday night in Sloan, Iowa.
Franco, a 25-year-old from Riverside, was dropped by a right-handed punch from Haro (13-1-1) in the eighth round at WinnaVegas Casino and Resort during a bout televised on cable.
Haro also knocked down Franco in the eighth. Although Franco briefly rose after the knockout punch, he was eventually taken from the ring on a stretcher.
In a statement released by Franco’s promoter, RocNation Sports, manager Ray Chaparro said from a local hospital, “At this point, the doctors have told us the next 48 hours will be critical in regards to making a complete recovery.
“We ask for prayers from the boxing community at this time.”
RocNation president Michael Yormark describes Franco (16-2-3, 11 KOs) as “a tenacious talent and champion.”
A spokeswoman for RocNation said Sunday afternoon that Franco is “under intensive care and critical watch.”
Franco has fought at venues in Pomona, Ontario and Corona. He rebounded from a knockout loss to Christopher Martin in Los Angeles on March 23 to win by first-round knockout over Francisco Augustin Suarez on May 12.
Twitter: @latimespugmire
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