In a surprising turn of events, Joshua Franco, the talented super flyweight boxer, has announced his retirement from professional boxing following his rematch with Kazuto Ioka. The bout, which took place on Saturday night at Tokyo’s Ota City General Gymnasium, saw Ioka claim the WBA super flyweight title with a unanimous decision. Franco’s decision to retire comes after a series of setbacks and personal challenges, as he candidly expressed his gratitude and reflected on his career through a heartfelt social media post.
The highly anticipated rematch between Franco and Ioka served as a platform to settle their previous draw in a two-belt unification fight. On December 31, 2022, the two boxers engaged in a thrilling twelve-round battle that resulted in a draw. However, Ioka, the WBO super flyweight champion at the time, later vacated the belt to pursue the rematch with Franco. Unfortunately for Franco, the rematch did not unfold in his favor. Two judges scored the bout 116-112 in Ioka’s favor, while another judge scored it 115-113, unanimously awarding Ioka the victory and the WBA super flyweight title. The defeat marked a significant blow to Franco’s aspirations in the sport.
Leading up to the rematch, Franco faced additional challenges outside the ring. Just a day before the fight, Franco was stripped of his super flyweight belt due to a failure to make weight. He weighed in at over 121 pounds, exceeding the division limit of 115 pounds by two weight divisions. These setbacks, coupled with the mental health struggles he had silently battled throughout his career, ultimately influenced Franco’s decision to retire.
On social media, Franco conveyed his gratitude to his supporters, acknowledging their unwavering backing throughout his career. He expressed appreciation for living his childhood dream of becoming a world champion and representing San Antonio, Texas. Furthermore, he candidly opened up about his long-standing mental health issues, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and not allowing obstacles to hinder one’s pursuit of dreams.
Acknowledging the support of his family and the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy, Franco expressed profound gratitude for their belief in him and their contributions to his success. Finally, he officially declared his retirement, stating that the bout in Tokyo marked his last fight, with a sense of acceptance and pride in the effort he put forth.
Joshua Franco’s retirement from professional boxing marks the end of a remarkable career filled with highs and lows. Despite his defeat in the rematch against Kazuto Ioka, Franco leaves the sport with a legacy of perseverance and determination. His candidness about mental health struggles and his ability to rise above challenges serves as an inspiration to others facing similar obstacles. While Franco bids farewell to the ring, his impact on the boxing community and his resilience will continue to resonate for years to come.
