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?Golden Fists? truly golden


PhilBoxing.com





YES, the ??Golden Fists?? truly looked golden.

Former WBA interim super flyweight titleholder Drian ??Golden Fists?? Francisco took a huge step in joining the elite list of Filipino boxing champions as he scored a resounding first round knockout victory over battle-scarred Jose Carlos Vargas Saturday (Sunday in Manila) at Estadio Hector Espino, Hermosillo, Sonora Mexico.

The pride of Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro and Touch Gloves Boxing Gym in Agoncillo, Batangas decked ??Chanquito II?? thrice to win via stoppage infront of stunned Mexicans.

??The win was huge step in his bid to become a world champion. That night, Francisco showed the world why he?s dubbed as the ??Golden Fists,?? said sportsman Elmer Anuran of the ALA-Eh (Association of Local Athletics Entrepreneurs and Hobbyists Inc).Anuran nurtured the talents of Francisco by bringing the rugged-looking boxer to the Touch Gloves Boxing Gym.

An emotional Francisco, whose father Deo was a former Oriental boxing titleholder, called his benefactor after the bout. He thanked Anuran for not losing his confidence in him.

??I would like to thank Boss Elmer for his whole-hearted support. I am also sure that he?ll continue supporting aspiring boxers so that they will be able to realize their dreams of hitting the big-time someday,?? Francisco said.

Before the bout, Vargas (12-7-1) gave the world-class Juan Alberto Rosas ( 36-7-0) a tough fight before losing by split decision.

With the win, Francisco 22-1 (17 KOs) is scheduled to trade punches with another Mexican Luis ??Gallo?? Ceja for the IBF bantamweight title eliminator.

The bout may serve as undercard for the Brian Viloria-Tyson Marquez bout November 17 in the United States.

??Hopefully, this fight will push through. Ceja (22-2-3) is a tough customer but Drian knows a win may lead to a title fight against Leo Sta. Cruz early next year,?? said Anuran.

Anuran sent Saved by the Bell official Rod Nebiar to join Francisco in Mexico. Nebiar gave Francisco the needed moral support and guidance before and during the bout.

According to Anuran, the 5-foot-5 fighter will train under former Manny Pacquiao trainer Justin Fortune in preparation for the Ceja fight.

Fortune assisted Hall of Famer Freddie Roach in building the legend of the Filipino ring icon.

??Drian?s lateral moves were superb and his combinations were perfect,?? said Anuran.

Francisco actually scored his third straight win since losing his WBA interim diadem by unanimous decision to Tepparith Kokietgym in Benjamatheputid School, Petchaburi,Thailand last year. Tepparith eventually won the world title.

Determined to regain the path of greatness, Francisco dominated ALA's Michael Domingo ( 43-15-2) to score a unanimous victory last year at the Makati Sports Coliseum. Then, he floored Pichitchai Twins Gym ( 22-15-0) in the first round at the Sablayan Astrodome in Occidental Mindoro to win the interim IBF Pan-Pacific super bantamweight crown.

??I know it. Drian not only has the ring savvy but the power to become a world champion,?? noted Anuran.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dennis U. Eroa.


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