By Stephen ‘Darkness’ Johnson

Colorado adopted son and highly regarded bantamweight, John ‘Fast-Handz’ Franklin (9-0, 4 KO’s), is preparing to deliver his own brand of a ‘St. Paddy’s Day Punch Out’ on March 14, 2015, in a scheduled for 8 rounds co-main event bout at the Armory in Jersey City, New Jersey, against Josh Crespo (3-2-2, 1 KO).

Crespo just signed the contract late this afternoon, Franklin now able to put his entire training focus in the direction of the New Haven, Connecticut, native. Taking a definite leap in competition is Crespo, him squarely on the radar of John Franklin, an unenviable place as he shall soon see.

Headlining the event is local favorite Danny ‘Little Mac’ McDermott (11-5-2, 5 KO’s) vs Jeremy McLaurin (10-8-1, 5 KO’s) in a scheduled for 10 rounds lightweight match where only fans of McDermott would have any interest.

The popular Kansas City, Missouri, native John Franklin is a product of the U.S. Army’s WCAP (World Class Athlete Program) before making the decision to pursue a professional boxing career in 2012, retiring as a Sergeant in the US Army.

In Franklin’s last outing on a November 29, 2014, Top Rank card featuring WBO World lightweight champion Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford, in Omaha, Nebraska, Franklin took on a tough opponent in Andre Wilson. ‘Fast-Handz’ focused a bit too much on getting the KO (him knowing several Top Rank talent scouts were in attendance) but still performed beautifully, getting the 6 round majority decision win.

“I just wasn’t myself for the first few rounds of that fight”, began ‘Fast-Handz’, “I’m usually relaxed and calm. I hear nothing on my walk to the ring and am entirely focused, but that night something was just different. It took me awhile to settle in but after that first couple of rounds I got comfortable and felt I won 5 of the 6 rounds”.

That circumstance behind him, John Franklin and his Coach, Joe Guzman, sat down and decided the critique offered by some was his punch output being a bit low. Franklin was taken aback but decided “if that’s what they want, that’s what they’ll get” with more attention on taking time to set up his attack, with punches in between, more of a focus. More punches with power is what the criticism was and it’s being firmly addressed.

Since then, Franklin has handled some important outside of the ring business beginning with his January 29, 2015, graduation from Intellitec College (Associates degree in Occupational Studies) while still focusing on getting that degree in Sports Health & Science from AMU (American Military University).

Instead of participating in the graduation ceremony at Intellitec College, ‘Fast-Handz’ chose to spend the day attending his daughter’s (Joniah Levae Franklin) first basketball practice, that coming before her first game, a more important event.

Earning that degree was definitely historic but for Franklin showing support and putting his daughter’s needs first, is and always will be, his number one priority.

2015 is the year John ‘Fast-Handz’ Franklin expects good things to happen in his boxing career, his intentions clear and precise when the subject is broached.

“This year (2015) is about consistency. Our goal is to make the right connection with the right group who can move me in the right direction as quickly as possible. I want to fight as often as I can, get in as many rounds as I can, with a title shot in my sights. I’m ready to make this happen”, said Franklin.

John Franklin feels 118 lbs (bantamweight) is where he’s most comfortable, several calls coming for fights at 115 lbs. not of interest since he hasn’t seen that weight since 2011 as an amateur and no telling his body’s reaction.

John Franklin: “My training has gone back to what it was with a couple of additions that should make me more ‘fan friendly’. I’ll be punching more, my total punch output numbers increasing with the power in each more devastating. I’m definitely trying to get it”.

Last but not least is ‘Fast-Handz’ extending major kudos to his sponsors; Mile High Jewelers: Can hook you up with any and all jewelry needs, locations in Denver and Colorado Springs. Sales Service Outlet: Located in Kansas City, Missouri, providing all of your new and used furniture needs and Soldier Sports: They provide high quality, named brand combat sports apparel for a reasonable price.

My personal message for ‘Dave the Jeweler’ of Mile High Jewelers: John ‘Fast-Handz’ Franklin has his eyes on that Cuban Link Chain along with an encrusted diamond time piece. He’s never spoken of a ride with nice wheels or any fancy garb but it’s always that damned blinged out Cuban Link Chain and diamond encrusted watch. Please make that happen sometime this year, he’s ready for you to bling him out and we’re all tired of hearing about it!

This fight card will not be available anywhere but the east coast, COMCAST SPORTS NETWORK broadcasting the event.

As ‘The Journey’ continues for John ‘Fast-Handz’ Franklin minor obstacles get in his path but he’s already seeing light at the end of the tunnel.