Joshua Franco after 8 years of a successful career in boxing has decided to part ways from the sport. Boxers retiring is a bittersweet moment in the world of professional boxing. Athletes often dedicate their lives to rigorous training, intense competition, and the pursuit of greatness. Such was the case with the 27-year-old Joshua Franco, who held the WBA super flyweight title from 2020 to 2023.

However, ‘El Profesor’ has abruptly decided to give up the sport. This decision came after his most recent defeat against Japanese boxer Kazuto Ioka. Franco took to social media to announce his decision. Notably, prior to the bout, Franco had been stripped of his title after he failed to make weight.

Joshua Franco’s farewell message!

Joshua Franco, the former junior bantamweight champion, has officially retired from boxing, as he revealed on Instagram. This decision follows his recent loss to Kazuto Ioka in Tokyo, Japan, where he was stripped of his WBA 115-pound title due to a failed weight cut. Franco, 24, expressed his gratitude to his supporters and acknowledged the difficulties of his last fight, emphasizing that he gave his all to the sport. He also disclosed that he has been battling mental health issues throughout his professional career, which began in August 2015. Initially, he kept this struggle private, fearing judgment and misconceptions. However, despite the challenges, he persisted and entertained his fans.

Franco encouraged others facing similar challenges to persevere and pursue their dreams. Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Franco claimed the full WBA title in August 2021. He did so after defeating Andrew Moloney, concluding their trilogy of fights. Throughout his career, with a record of 18-2-3 and 8 knockouts, Franco was associated with Golden Boy Promotions and had memorable bouts against opponents like Oscar Negrete. In his farewell message, he expressed his deep appreciation for his family, Robert Garcia Boxing Academy, and loyal supporters.

Ioka’s Dominance Shines in Victory over Franco

Kazuto Ioka showcased his prowess and determination against a heavier Joshua Franco in their highly anticipated rematch. Despite Franco’s failure to meet the weight requirement by over six pounds, Ioka bravely chose to proceed, aiming to validate himself once again. Ultimately, his decision paid off.

In the intense 12-round battle, Ioka unleashed impactful punches, securing a unanimous decision victory with scores of 116-112, 116-112, and 115-113. This triumph bolstered Ioka’s record to 30-2-1 (15), while Franco’s standing dwindled to 18-2-3 (8). The following video is from their last bout which ended in a draw.

Known for his exceptional counter-punching skills, Ioka initially found himself outperformed by Franco in the opening round. However, the Japanese star found his rhythm in the second round, momentarily stunning Franco with a powerful blow to the midsection. While Franco exhibited a higher work rate in certain rounds, Ioka’s punches left a lasting impact. The fight remained fiercely contested until the halfway mark, with Franco sustaining a cut above his right eye in the fifth round.

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As the championship rounds unfolded, Ioka gained momentum while Franco realized he needed a knockout to secure victory. Unfortunately for Franco, the knockout never materialized as Ioka continued to land significant blows, particularly to the body. Despite one close scorecard, there was little doubt regarding the winner. Affected by his excessive weight, Franco simply couldn’t overcome Ioka’s skill and determination. Overwhelmed with joy, Ioka shed tears of triumph, reclaiming his position at the top. What do you think about Franco’s decision to retire so young? What do you think about Ioka’s future prospects? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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