Junior bantamweight Daniel Barrera wants to show that his killer instinct is back after his first professional loss.
Barrera faces Basilio Franco on Saturday in an eight-round bout at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, California. The bout will be streamed by UFC Fight Pass and promoted by 360 Promotions.
Barrera, 8-1-1 (4 KOs), will be fighting for the fifth time at the Chumash Casino. In his last fight, he fought there and lost his unblemished record to Christopher Rios via a majority decision. Barrera, a 23-year-old from Eastvale, California, enters with a point to prove in this contest.
“In this fight, I am going to show I have the killer instinct back,” Barrera told BoxingScene. “I am going to take more risks and be in there trying to hurt him.”
Barrera made it clear that his loss in February will not define him.
“I am just changing mentalities,” Barrera said. “I am getting used to uncomfortable positions, and that is going to show in this fight.”
Barrera signed with 360 Promotions in February 2023. He had won six fights in a row, staying very active over the past two years. Barrera hopes to maintain his previous busy schedule after this fight to close out the year.
“If we get four to five fights a year, that is the best thing for me,” Barrera said. “Staying active is good; it is the best way to progress as a fighter.”
Franco, 10-3 (8 KOs), is a 28-year-old Mexican fighter from Los Angeles. Franco enters on a five-fight win streak and has never fought in the United States since his professional debut in 2021; all of his fights have been in Mexico. Barrera is not overlooking him one bit, especially after his last loss to Rios, who was also a Los Angeles-based fighter.
“I’ve always said it doesn’t matter the record, anything can happen in boxing,” Barrera said. “All it takes is one punch, and the night can change…. We are prepared for anything he can bring, and it’s going to be a good night, an entertaining night for everybody.”