Two days after being handed an eighth-round knockout loss, featherweight Daniel Franco remained in a coma in an Iowa hospital.

As previously reported, Franco was knocked out by Jose Haro in the main event of a card at the WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa. After the fight, Franco was rushed to a hospital and underwent emergency surgery to stop two brain bleeds.

Franco was knocked out with a hard right-hand shot from Haro, and the fight was stopped immediately by referee Celestino Ruiz. The 25-year-old was transported to Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa, and placed in a medically induced coma.

Haro has issued a statement, praying that Franco makes a full recovery.

"I respect all fighters. My heart hurts knowing that my opponent from Saturday night is still in the hospital. I hope he has a full and speedy recovery. Nothing but love, brotha.  We put everything on the line when we step inside the ring," Haro said.

"I always tell my brother/trainer that I'm a father first, fighter second, and if he ever sees me badly hurt to stop the fight because my kids need their daddy. I'm very grateful that I won but it really doesn't feel like I won. I always pray that my opponent and myself come out our fight in good health. Let's go Team Franco, you got this!"

Manager Ray Chaparro said doctors had to open Franco's skull in order to relieve the pressure and repair two small veins that were bleeding.

Chaparro also said Franco is expected to stay in Iowa for several weeks and it might even be months before he can be transported to his native California.

Franco (16-2-3, 11 knockouts) absorbed several hard shots from Haro (14-1-1, eight KOs) through the fight and staggered in the sixth round.

Before the fight ended, he was knocked down in the eighth with an overhand right but beat the count. The next shot landed near Franco's temple, and Franco immediately fell to the canvas.

Moments later, Franco appeared alert while getting medical attention, but as the result of the fight was being announced, he lay down on the mat was removed from the ring on a stretcher.

Franco was handed his first career defeat in a third-round knockout by Christopher Martin on March 23. He rebounded with a first-round knockout win over Francisco Agustin Suarez on May 12 before taking on Haro.

"Roc Nation's thoughts and prayers are with Daniel Franco and his family during this critical recovery period. He is a tenacious talent and champion, and will always have our support," said Michael Yormark, president and chief of branding and strategy for Roc Nation, who promote Franco.