Unbeaten junior featherweight Michael “Lil Warrior” Franco improved to 8-0 with a six round unanimous decision over Manuel Sarabia Friday night in Cabazon, California. The bout headlined an entertaining 5-fight card at the Morongo Casino.
Franco was able to outbox the veteran Sarabia in almost every round. The 19-year-old used distance well, catching Sarabia as he came forward or moving away from the veteran’s advances. Official scores were 60-54 twice and 59-55. It was the second time Franco had gone the distance, and the young prospect said he was happy for the ring time.
“I’m glad it went 6 rounds,” he said after the bout. “I trained for six rounds, sparred eight rounds. I tried to work on my boxing and moving. I was hitting him pretty good.”
The teenager has gained invaluable experience by sparring with the likes of former world champions Israel Vazquez and Vic Darchinyan. Franco hopes to return to the ring next month, and said he’ll “go back to work” Monday. Sarabia is now listed at 15-20-8.
UNDERCARD
Khadahi Proctor D4 Gustavo Torales... the junior welterweight opener had some of the best action of the night. Torales knocked Proctor down with a right hand early in the bout, and landed some good body shots in the second. Proctor battled back, outworking Torales in the third and knocking his mouthpiece out with a hook in the final stanza, which led to a point deduction from Torales. All three judges scored the bout 37-37. Proctor is now 1-0-1 while Torales is 4-3-1 (2 KO’s).
Sergio Herrera W4 Eddie Leal... Oxnard’s Herrera did well in his pro debut, catching the game Leal with clean right hands throughout their super flyweight bout. Official scores were 39-37 twice and 40-36. Leal falls to 0-2.
Anthony Villareal KO2 Paul Anistro-Villareal... who hails from nearby Riverside like main-eventer Franco, made quick work of the winless Anistro in their flyweight bout. A left hook floored Anistro early in the first, and Villareal stunned the Texan again late in the round. After a pair of rights dropped Anistro for the second time, referee Tony Crebs waved the bout off at the 1:18 mark of round 2. Villareal improves to 5-2(3 KO’s), Anistro is now 0-0-3.
Loren Myer W4 Isais “Izzy” Reyes... Myers upped his record to 4-3 with a workmanlike unanimous decision over Reyes in their middleweight bout. Reyes is now 0-4.
The card was promoted by II Feathers Promotions, headed by Al Franco and well known cutman “Indian” Willie Schunke. Joe Martinez was the ring announcer. II Feather Promotions will return to the Morongo Casino in the Fall.
