Gary Shaw announced today that undefeated Cuban super featherweight prospect Luis Franco has joined the roster of Gary Shaw Productions.
Franco, 28, was a member of the 2004 Cuban Olympic boxing team and has over 400 amateur bouts under his belt, including two victories over WBA featherweight champion Yuriorkis Gamboa. He was recognized as one of the best on the 2004 Cuban Olympic squad where Telemundo named him the most outstanding prospect of that team. Franco defected to the U.S. in June 2009 and made his professional debut the following month, knocking out Leroy Pedilla in the first round.
“Luis has an outstanding amateur pedigree and he is incredibly talented,” said Shaw. “I think he has the potential to be a force at 126, 130 and 135 pounds and I’m looking forward to helping him prove it.”
“Luis fights like a seasoned pro. He’s going to become a leader of the exciting Cuban renaissance that has been electrifying boxing,” said John Beninati, matchmaker for Gary Shaw Productions.
“We’re pleased to be with Gary’s team. He has the ability to promote Luis on a variety of television platforms which will get him the national exposure needed to become a major attraction,” said Henry Foster, Franco’s manager. “Luis has terrific hand speed and ring generalship which will make him a sure contender for a world title in 2011.”
Franco (7-0, 5 KOs), fights out of Miami under the tutelage of head trainer Orlando Cuellar. The four opponents he defeated in 2010 had a combined record of 83-32-1 when he fought them.
