Franco: Chocolatito Fight Would Be Better For Fans, Estrada Would Be Easier For Me
Nov 11, 2020 • 10:24 AM ET
Joshua Franco knew what he was fighting for the moment he accepted a shot at the title held by Andrew Moloney earlier this year.
That vision doesn’t change as he enters a rematch with Moloney this weekend.
“I’m holding onto this belt, we’re getting that fight with Chocolatito,” Franco (17-1-2, 8KOs) told BoxingScene.com, of course referring to Nicaragua’s Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez (50-2, 41KOs), the legendary four-division and reigning junior bantamweight titlist. “So first, I have to make sure to take care of business against what I know will be a hungrier, more determined version of Andrew Moloney.
“Once I do my job (on Saturday), then we want to start going after all the belts.”
San Antonio’s Franco emerged as among the more inspiring feel-good stories of 2020 after upsetting Moloney (21-1, 14KOs) to win a secondary version of the junior bantamweight title this past June at The Bubble at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. They return to the venue this weekend for part two, in supporting capacity to three-division and reigning welterweight titlist Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford (36-0, 27KOs) in a voluntary title defense versus England’s former titlist Kell Brook (39-2, 27KOs) this Saturday, with ESPN to once again televise.
A repeat win by Franco puts him in prime position for life-changing paydays in 2021. The secondary title he holds functionally makes him a top contender for Gonzalez, with a consolidation fight first on his list for the New Year assuming he is able to handle his busines this weekend.
Along with Gonzalez, there is the thought of a mouthwatering showdown with reigning lineal champion Juan Francisco Estrada. Both boxers are currently tied to Matchroom Boxing and sports streaming service DAZN-USA, the latter whom has a continued relationship with Golden Boy Promotions whom promotes Franco.
Franco envisions a career-best performance in his rematch with Moloney to pave the way for title wins over the division’s two top players. The 25-year old is also of the belief that the hard work will be put in well before reaching the division’s true king to reign supreme in what has emerged as arguably the most stacked division in the sport today.
“A fight between me and Chocolatito would be better for the fans,” Franco insists in picking between separate showdowns with Gonzalez and Estrada. “Our styles match up for a better, more competitive fight.
“I feel like Juan Estrada would be an easier fight for me.
Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
Jake Donovan is an award-winning journalist who served as senior writer for BoxingScene from 2007-2024, and news editor for the final nine years of his first tour. He was also the lead writer for The Ring before his decision to return home.
