Exclusive Q&A: Heavy Hitting Diva Franchón

The longest reigning and first female undisputed super middleweight boxing champion of the world, Franchón, chats to Mogul Magazine as she counts down the days until her UK debut fight against Savannah Marshall, Taking place on July 1st at AO Arena in Manchester; Franchón predicts nothing less than a clean victory.

Also widely known as the Heavy Hitting Diva, Franchón reveals she got into boxing “on a whim” while working on pursuing her musical career. At 17 years old, she took a chance and auditioned in the fourth season of American Idol, where a comment from Simon Cowell inspired an unstoppable work ethic in young Franchón; he said: “You can’t be good at everything.” To what she thought to herself – “watch me.”

Trying to fit into the past standards of pop stars, Franchón’s passion for music led her to a boxing gym, and she has never left. As of today, on top of being an undisputed super middleweight boxing champion of the world, Franchón revives her music career with a smashing new single, ‘Secret Place.’

With the release of ‘Secret Place’ is only the beginning for Franchón as the new pop star ready to dominate a new arena. She collaborated alongside esteemed American songwriter and producer C-Rod at Maimi’s legendary Criteria Recording Studios.

Mogul discusses the current state of boxing with Franchón as she advocates for better pay, more opportunities, and the respect women deserve in boxing. She also details how she got into promoting
and the story behind the Sunday fight outfit she designed with the help of her fans.

Where are you based at the moment?

Currently I’m based in the DMV area which is DC Maryland and Virginia and I split my time between there in Florida but I’m a worldwide woman so I’m everywhere. 

How did you get into boxing?

I got into boxing on a whim while pursing my music career. I was just trying to lose weight to fit into the standards of pop stars back in the day and was invited to a boxing gym and never left. 

What came first, your passion for singing or boxing?

Music was my first passion even though I was always fighting as a kid I have a brother so I was a bit of a tomboy. Singing & songwriting was the first thing that I actively was determined to get better in. 

What are your go-to workout songs? (5 songs)

At the moment :

THIQUE- Beyoncé

Victory Lap- Nipsey Hustle

Ungrateful – Megan The Stallion

Full Moon Album – Brandy

Secret Place – Franchón

Can you share your predictions for your upcoming fight against Savannah Marshall?

I predict that I am going to be victorious over Savanna Marshall I’m gonna just take it to whatever level it needs to be taken too. I’m here to fight I want her to understand and know that she’s not taking anything from me. I feel like I’m gonna break her will and I’m just gonna do whatever I have to do to win as long as it is legal. 

Do you think there is anything surprising that people don’t know about the pre-fight process?

I love to sing before I fight that makes me comfortable. It makes me feel good and is actually good for my breathing but that’s one of the things I like to do.

You mentioned you design your own boxing apparel, could you elaborate on your latest outfit what is it inspired by?

Yes I do design my own box and made the one for this fight actually. I had the fans decide what color I was gonna wear and they decided on red. I don’t normally wear red but it’s a very very powerful color and my outfit is majority red with black and a splash of purple for my home boxing team. Purple is also a royal color and the color my mother liked me in. What was special about this is I actually collaborated with amazing fashion designer Magda Kahn who has an extensive career in the fashion industry and a lot of experience. Her and I collaborate as she is making my robe and also some pieces I’ll wear during fight week. I always love people who see my light and like what I do so this is a great moment for me especially debuting in the UK as a professional. I’m going to give a show.

You’re also a boxing promoter, what drove you to be involved in this side of boxing as well?

Well just like me & boxing I really never plan to but just the chain of events caused me too. Firstly working with my husband Glenn Dezurn Jr who turned pro before I did and not having guidance or an advocate for him. I learned from watching is that you need that one person to believe in you and protect you kind of like Cus did for Mike Tyson. The  other parts will follow I was always gifted intellectually, so for myself after debuting and came up short they wrote me off. I didn’t have any promoters knocking at my door so I self managed self-promoted my next couple of fights. When I had opportunities to work with big promoters I advocated for myself. I did have mentors that will help me and a good attorney. I got in contracts got out of contracts for myself and my husband. You know even being undisputed you would think that opportunity would knock at your door but my table was still empty so I had to eat. My manager is a really good guy and he just saw my potential, earned my respect and trust. He’s actually one of the best managers in the industry so you know I go where there is knowledge, I go where I’m celebrated not tolerated and this is just my journey. 

What would you say should change in the world of boxing?

Well there’s a lot of things that should change with boxing but I’m going to continue to advocate for women in boxing getting better pay, getting opportunities and getting the respect we deserve and also keeping the sport of boxing clean.

How do you feel about the influx of influencers and YouTubers starting to fight professionally? (Jake Paul etc)

Of course I love the purity of boxing because you could play other sports you can’t I play boxing. I will say Jake has made his own lane but he did get a rude awakening when he actually had a boxing match. As far as business and attention he’s bought to the sport and opportunities he created for his female fighters and you know he’s doing something to contribute to it and he does take training serious because it’s therapy. Who am I to judge I just stay in my lane long as one of the influencers don’t cross my path then we have nothing to worry about. To each his own I’m just continuing to stay undisputed. 

You juggle a lot, how does your daily routine look like?

If I could draw an example of my daily routine it will probably be like a paper with scribble scrabble. I just go with the flow my husband is a Libra so he’s honestly the one that keeps me in order. Unless I’m down to the wire or it’s work that’s when I will be organized but it’s either chaos or simplicity. 

What’s your walk-out song?

You have to watch the fight and see.