Daniel Geale Has Many Options; Franco Adding Power

Promoter Gary Shaw says he is still thrilled by the performance of his new IBF Middleweight Champion, Daniel Geale (26-1, 15 KOs), who dethroned champion Sebastian Sylvester by 12-round split decision on Saturday night at the Jahnsportforum in Neubrandenburg, Germany.

"I felt like I was dreaming," recounted Shaw. "To win a decision in Germany is making a statement. Daniel was terrific, very fast, and he stayed busy throughout and maintained a great output of punches."

The Tasmanian-born boxer is the first Australian to win a belt on German soil. He won by scores of 118-110 and 118-112 on two cards, while another judge curiously had Sylvester winning 118-110 on the third card.

Fights with fellow world-class Australian fighters Garth Wood, Sam Soliman and Anthony Mundine are possible, but Shaw says there is no rush to announce a next move.
 
"I will speak with the team about several different opponents, and we will carefully weigh Daniel's options. Right now we're just celebrating his brilliant victory."

Franco Stepping up the Power

Looking to improve on his already considerable skills, undefeated Cuban featherweight prospect and current WBO Inter-Continental champion Luis "La Estrella" Franco (9-0, 5 KOs) is currently hard at work at SoMi Fitness in his hometown of Miami with world-renowned strength and conditioning coach Willie Del Sol and dietician Unni Greene.

In addition to his daily boxing routine, Franco has remained devoted to a fitness program specially designed to increase his punching power and stamina.

According to Franco's manager, Henry Foster, There is always room for improvement in any fighter, no matter how proficient. "Franco has only nine professional fights. His great skill as an amateur must now be refined and honed so he can perform in the pros to the best of his ability. He is already one of the best in the world at hand speed, defense and ring generalship. When more power is added to his already extremely accurate punching, he will be indeed the complete package, and we hope, a new world champion in his weight class."