Drian Francisco to KO foe Nunez in six rounds

Expect fireworks when rising Filipino boxing prospect Drian "Gintong Kamao" Francisco faces Panama’s Ricardo Nunez on Saturday in a World Boxing Association (WBA) title eliminator fight. The winner of the WBA title eliminator fight gets the chance to earn a shot at reigning WBA super-flyweight champion Nobuo Nashiro of Japan.

Both fighters expressed confidence of emerging victorious by the end of the 12-round match at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. "Kung sigurado silang mananalo, sigurado ring akong mananalo (If they are sure of winning, then I’ll also say I’m sure to win)," said Francisco, who said he’s going to end the fight inside the first six rounds should the opportunity presents itself. But Nunez’s corner was bolder in its prediction. "We will win by knockout," said Nunez’s trainer Francisco Arroyo, recalling the same thing that happened when Rafael Concepcion, also of Panama, stunned AJ Banal in Cebu City two years ago. "Last time I was here with "El Torito" (Rafael Concepcion), not many people gave him a chance to win. But we came here to win and that’s what we did (against Banal). Now I’m back and I’m here to win," Arroyo said. The two fighters said their piece in Wednesday’s pre-fight press at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Ortigas, where a $1,000 bet is placed by Nunez’s cornerman, Carlos Costa, added color to the event. "I don’t usually bet on fight, and when I do, I don’t bet a lot not unless I am 100 percent sure that the fighter I bet on will win," said Costa, who will serve as a second in Nunez’s and acted as interpreter of the 22-year old Panamanian. "I am sure Ricardo Nunez will win. I will bet $1,000 on him." Elmer Anuran, Francisco’s soft-spoken manager, gamely called it. "Siyempre, 100 percent din tayong sure na mananalo si Drian. Based sa mga past fights ni Nunez, I believe, technically, mas magaling si Drian sa kanya (Of course we’re also 100 percent sure that Drian will win. Based on Nunez’ past fights, Drian is technically superior)," said Anuran, head of Saved By The Bell promotions. The 26-year-old Francisco, who holds a perfect ring record of 18-0 (14 KOs), said he’s been preparing for the fight the last three months and is ready to go the distance with his Panamanian opponent. A self-confessed fan of Filipino boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao, Nunez, a computer science graduate, carries an impressive record of 17-1 (15 KOs). He is currently ranked No. 2 by the WBA and No. 1 by the World Boxing Council (WBC). He is fresh from a third round stoppage of Nicaraguan Juan Centeno last November. Francisco, who is among the rare Filipino boxer that has a college degree, is ranked third by the WBA following his 10th round KO win over former champion Roberto Vasquez, also of Panama, six months ago. The three judges working the fight are Paul Caiz, Takeshi Shimakawa and Chalerm Prayadsad. Third man on the ring is Pinit Pradsayab. Official weigh-in is set Friday afternoon also at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. – GMANews.TV