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Philippines, 20 Mar 2026 |
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Francisco loves the underdog tag By Dennis U. Eroa PhilBoxing.com Mon, 22 Aug 2011  Drian Francisco. HE will be an underdog as he punches his way to redemption. Former World Boxing Association interim super flyweight titleholder Drian ??Golden Fists?? Francisco loves being the underdog in his battle for redemption against battle-scarred Michael Domingo of the world-famous ALA stable. Dubbed as Pinoy Warriors, the blockbuster meeting between two of the country?s leading boxers will explode on September 23 at the Makati Coliseum in Makati City. Presented by Saved by the Bell Promotions under the leadership of youthful Batangue?o sportsman-businessman Elmer Anuran and in cooperation with Solar Sports, the clash will also define the checquered career of the protagonists. Air Philippines is also supporting the event which is originally slated on September 24. Francisco (20-1-1, 16 KOs) suffered his first setback at the hands of Thai fighter Tepparith Singwancha last May in Udon Thani, Thailand. He is currently ranked No.4 by the WBA. ??Drian knows the significance of this bout. This can make or break his career. A win will lead to bigger fights overseas in his quest for the world title,?? said Anuran. Both fighters will fight as bantamweights (118 pounds) and Anuran believes that his ward is ready for action against Domingo (41-15-2, 19 KOs). Anuran said that Drian isn?t worried at all that he?s the underdog. When interviewed by Philboxing, Francisco, who is training under the watchful eyes of Benny dela Pe?a at the Touch Gloves Boxing Gym in Agoncillo, Batangas, said that he's looking forward to his bout against Domingo. ??I have no problem being an underdog. I fought and won as an underdog. I respect what people think. But let me say this. I?ll be ready come fight time,?? said the 27-year-old pride of Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro. Anuran, who thanked ALA chief Michael Aldeguer and vice-president and lawyer Dennis Ca?ete for making the bout possible, said fans will be treated to non-stop action by Domingo and Francisco. ??Saved by the Bell is proud to say that this is a must-see bout for fans simply because they will witness two world-caliber Pinoy boxers fighting each other,?? said Anuran. ??This is a rare offering.?? According to observers, Francisco versus Domingo will copy the 1999 meeting between Manny Pacquiao and Reynante Jamili, won the former by second round TKO. The win erased Pacquiao?s setback to Thai Medgoen Singsurat for the WBC flyweight crown and catapulted him to greater international glory. Jamili?s career was stymied. ??I understand the importance of this bout to my career. I also know the importance of this bout to Domingo,?? said Francisco.??I think it?s going to be a great fight.?? Dubbed as ??Bruce Lee?? because of his resemblance to the legendary Martial Arts hero, Domingo rated No.10 by the International Boxing Federation, bowed to Vusi Malinga in an IBF bantam eliminator last year and a loss will put a question mark on his quest for the world title. ??I am sure both fighters will give it all,?? said Anuran, who said that his ward is eager to redeem himself after losing to Tepparith. Domingo last fought in the Big City in 2009 at the Cuneta Astrodome. He gained tremendous respect after mauling Olympian and world title contender Jose Navarro of the United States. Most of Domingo?s losses came when he wasn?t under the ALA wings. His former handlers pitted him to bigger and heavier foes early on his career. Later in the same fight card, the underdog Francisco would stun the boxing world when he inflicted Panamanian two-time world champion Robert Vasquez his first knockout loss. Last year, Francisco, son of ex-pro now firefighter Deo, also shamed the oddsmakers when he knocked out highly-favored Duangpetch Kokietgym of Thailand in Bung Kan for the WBA interim plum. ??Drian knows deep in his heart that he is not finished after losing to the Thai fighter,?? said Anuran, who said that the college degree holder continues to eye the world title. ??We?ll see after this bout,?? said Anuran when asked what?s next for Drian after September 23. Anuran also assured a action-packed supporting bout featuring the unbeaten Roberto Gonzales (18-0),who is also a product of Touch Gloves Boxing Gym. ??Berto, the new version of Rolando Navarrette is a courageous fighter. He is not going to back down,?? said Anuran. Also seeing action in the undercards are Touch Gloves?s Lolito Sonsona and Ni?o Magboo. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dennis U. Eroa.  |
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