Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa has showcased some of boxing’s top fighters in the past year, but what many don’t realize is that Morongo is showcasing some the sport’s top up-and-coming prospects.  Morongo’s May 16 fight card is no different, featuring four top fighters many predict to be future stars in the sport, including undefeated lightweight Michael “The Little Warrior” Franco from Riverside. 

Since entering the pro ranks two years ago, Franco has feasted on his competition, amassing an unbeaten record of 10 wins and no losses.  He has displayed his extreme power with seven wins by way of knockout. Franco’s father and trainer Albert Franco, has high hopes for the 20 year old.  He says he has the potential and work ethic to be a top contender. 

“Michael is a coach’s dream,” says the elder Franco, “I’ve be involved in boxing for over 40 years and I’ve never seen a fighter as dedicated and work as hard.”  Besides his great power Michael is also a good technical fighter.  He showed his technical game after suffering an injury to his hand.   He was injured for two of his fights that went the distance.  Unable to use his power he simply out boxed his opponents winning both fights by unanimous decision. 

“Michael is the real deal and very well rounded fighter,” added his father, “If he keeps up the pace he is about two years away from doors really starting to open.” 

Oscar De La Hoya’s, Golden Boy Promotions brings three other top prospects to the May 16, card.  Welterweight and lightweight sensations Juan and Carlos Velazquez return for their third consecutive bout at Morongo along with former amateur star, heavyweight Ashanti Jordan.  The twins hail from Puerto Rico and are both are undefeated; Juan with is 7-0 (4 KO’s) and Carlos is 7-0 (6 KO’s).  Carlos was an Olympian in 2004 and won a gold medal in the 2006 Central American and Caribbean Games.  Jordan from San Francisco, a former top ranked amateur is 3-0 (3-KO’s) and is returning for his second consecutive fight at Morongo. 

The main event of this card will feature former world champion and Ring Magazine’s sixth rated, junior featherweight, Jhonny Gonzalez 37-6 (31 KO’s) as he battles Mauricio Pastrana 34-8-2 (22 KO’s).  Tickets for this event start at $35 plus applicable taxes and handling fees and are now on-sale at the Morongo box office at 1-800-252-4499 or through Ticketmaster at www.Ticketmaster.com or www.morongocasinoresort.com.  All major credit cards are accepted.