Featherweight Daniel Franco recently experienced one of the ugly truths of the sport of boxing, landing himself in a medically induced coma after a fight on June 10.
Franco was knocked out in the eighth round of a CBS Sports Network-televised card and was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery after the fight with Jose Haro.
Michael Yormark, Roc Nation's president and chief of branding and strategy said Roc Nation, who represents Franco, is supporting him throughout this whole ordeal.
"Roc Nation's thoughts and prayers are with Daniel Franco and his family during this critical recovery period. He is a tenacious talent and champion, and will always have our support," said Michael Yormark, Roc Nation's president and chief of branding and strategy.
Al Franco, Daniel's father and trainer put out a statement saying Daniel suffered head trauma and had two small veins bleeding. Franco's family set up a GoFundMe account to help Daniel and it has raised more than $16,000, far exceeding the $1,000 goal in just a day.
"My boy is fighting strong. He is holding his fever down to 99 (degrees) and is fighting hard. He will be kept in this coma for a few more days. The pressure in his brain is also under control thus far. Everything that we could ask for to go our way in this situation is. Please keep praying and thank you all for sharing and donating. I'm in debt and humbled by you all. He will be here at best-case scenario for weeks before he will be able to be moved. We have a lot to prepare for mentally and, unfortunately, financially. Thank you all and please keep him in your prayers."
Haro also put out out a statement wishing the young fighter a speedy recovery.
"I respect all fighters. My heart hurts knowing that my opponent from Saturday night is still in the hospital," Haro said. "I hope he has a full and speedy recovery. Nothing but love, brotha. We put everything on the line when we step inside the ring. I always tell my brother/trainer that I'm a father first, fighter second, and if he ever sees me badly hurt to stop the fight because my kids need their daddy. I'm very grateful that I won but it really doesn't feel like I won. I always pray that my opponent and myself come out our fight in good health. Let's go #TeamFranco, you got this!"
Franco is 16-2-3 as a boxer and a former USBA featherweight titleholder.
