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Underdog Francisco out to prove worth against Panamanian foe


It’s now Drian Francisco’s turn to prove that he is indeed Philippine boxing’s best kept secret. The 26-year old, undefeated in 18 fights, climbs the ring as an underdog when he faces former two-time world champion Roberto Vasquez of Panama for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) international super flyweight title on Saturday at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City. Only a draw to fellow Filipino Nino Suelo last December 16, 2007, tainted what should have been an unblemished record for Francisco whose biggest fight happened August 4, 2007 when he took the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia-Pacific title with a first round knockout win over Wanmeechok Singwancha of Thailand at the Elorde Gym in Parañaque City.

Drian Francisco raises his arms after tipping the scales at 115 lbs. during Friday's weigh-in at the Manila Ocean Park. Francisco stakes his unbeaten record when he takes on Roberto Vasquez for the vacant WBA superflyweight crown on Saturday. - Jeff Venancio
“Alam kong underdog ako sa laban pero sisikapin kong patunayan sa lahat na mali ang pinangangambahan nila lalo na kung pangit ang iniisip nilang kalalabasan ng labang ito," said Francisco after Friday’s weigh-in at the Manila Ocean Park. Francisco, ranked third by the WBA in his division, proved to be the better conditioned boxer against Vasquez as the Sablayan, Oriental Mindoro boxer tipped the scale at exactly 115 lbs. In contrast, his 26-year old Panamian rival, who once held the WBA light flyweight and flyweight titles, weighed 116.5 pounds in his first try. He stayed at the sauna for an hour and made the exact weight in his second attempt. “Nakita natin ang kalaban overweight at mas maganda ito dahil may kaunting advantage na tayo. Pero ang diskarte ko sa ring ay makikita na lamang ninyo bukas. Basta sisikapin kong gawin ang lahat para manalo sa labang ito," added Francisco. Elmer Anuran, Francisco’s manager who is also promoting this fight under the Saved By The Bell promotion, said that a win will give his ward the chance to challenge reigning champion Noubo Nashiro of Japan for his WBA super flyweight title. Nashiro successfully defended his title against Fidel Hugo Cazares last September 30 at Osaka, Japan via split decision.
Drian Francisco, right, and Roberto Vasquez pose for photographers during Friday's weigh-in at the Manila Ocean Park for their scheduled 12-round WBA International Superflyweight title fight, dubbed Boxing at The Bay First Strike, on Oct. 3. - Mike Taboy
“The winner of this fight will move to the number one ranking in the WBA. If Francisco wins, I will talk to WBA president Gilberto Mendoza for a possible showdown with Nashiro in the first quarter of 2010," said Anuran. Anuran said he expects the fight to be a tough one for Francisco but believes his boxer is equipped to deal Vasquez a beating. “He is the modified version of Luisito Espinosa and is Philippine boxing’s best kept secret. Vasquez came overweight and the plan is to try to make him work in the early rounds and go for the kill in the late rounds." Vasquez, who holds a record of 27 wins in 30 fights with 20 by KO, said he is ready to spoil Francisco’s party. Vasquez is also coming off a loss to Cazares last March and that is an inspiration for him to score a convincing win over Francisco who Gonzales said is a solid boxer. – GMANews.TV
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