Derik Santos eyeing major opportunity within three fights for Dominique Francis

Dominique Francis delivered a stunning body shot last weekend in Stockton, California. Like a lightning bolt from a blue sky it was unexpected and devastating. 

The 23-year-old junior lightweight Francis from Miami floored Mexico’s Julio Carrera Lugo in the fourth round of their clash between unbeaten fighters.

Francis is coached by Derik Santos who is known for his work with titleholders like Chris Algieri. Santos hopes this victory is just the start of something greater. 

“I’ve had him since right before he turned pro, and I knew he had a lot of potential,” Santos said. “He’s grown into his body—he started at 122, then 126, and now this is his first fight at 130.”

“In the early part of his career, we dealt with injuries, and COVID cost us a year,” Santos added. “Consistency was all we needed, and we’re finding that now.”

Reflecting on Francis’ development, Santos highlighted a significant bout earlier this year against the 15-19-1 (7 KOs) Mexican journeyman Uriel Lopez Juarez. “We went the distance in Mexico City earlier this year, dealing with the altitude,” Santos recalled. “Today, I felt he was tuned in to what we needed—great boxing, seizing opportunities, and demonstrating his skills. He did just that.”

Francis’ knockout punch—a body shot from which the 18-1-1 (13 KOs) Lugo couldn’t recover—has Santos eyeing bigger opportunities, setting a timeline of “two, maybe three” fights before Francis could land a major bout. Santos also noted that Francis is currently a free agent.

What sets the 16-0 (10 KOs) Francis apart? According to Santos, “He’s got a great sense of defense and blazing speed.”