Last weekend in Iowa, once-beaten Daniel “Twitch” Franco (16-2-3, 11 KOs) was rushed to the hospital after suffering a knockout loss at the WinnaVegas Casino and Resort in Sloan.

Featherweight prospect Jose Haro (14-1-1, 8 KOs) used an overhand right to knock Franco (16-2-3, 11 KOs) out in the eight to capture the USBA title in a CBS Sports Network televised main event.

Franco's father and trainer, Al Franco, would later disclose the unfortunate information that his son suffered head trauma and there was bleeding that required emergency surgery with Franco being placed in a medically induced coma.

Franco was still trying to rebuild his career after suffering an unexpected knockout loss to Christopher Martin earlier this year.

The fight against Martin, a former fringe contender who is now a gatekeeper, was supposed to be a showcase fight for Franco on March 23. Everything was according to plan during the fight, with Franco dropping Martin in the opening round.

The 25-year-old Franco returned to the ring on May 12, knocking out Francisco Suarez in the opening round in Ensenada, Mexico.

 Franco's father said on Tuesday morning that his son is becoming more alert since two emergency surgeries. The second procedure was needed to repair bleeding and relieve pressure in his brain.

Over the weekend, all tubes were removed from his head, indicating that there is no more blood in his brain, and doctors lowered medication doses in order to bring him out of a coma. His breathing tube was removed Monday, as the boxer is now breathing on his own and all IVs were removed.

“He gave us 2 thumbs up when asked if he could hear us,” Al Franco posted on his son’s GoFundMe page. “We asked him to wink once for yes and twice for no. He followed instructions and is aware of what is going on. Daniel was moved out of intensive care unit and into a regular room. He’s responding well and is becoming more alert.”

A Go Fund Me page has been set up by family members to assist with the incoming expenses -  https://www.gofundme.com/3x0mfcg