Thursday, 30 July 2026 · Philippines
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Drian Francisco to headline ESPN?s Friday Night Fights on July 12

Drian ?The Golden Fist? Francisco will try to end his long layoff from the ring with a major bout in the United States this summer.

Francisco, 30, is being eyed to fight Chris Avalos, 23, of Lancaster, California in a super bantamweight duel that will headline ESPN?s Friday Night Fights.

The native of Sablayan, Mindoro Occidental Philippines told this Philboxing.com correspondent that they have signed to fight the younger Avalos, with Las Vegas as the most likely venue. The fight is originally planned for June 14th but it was now moved to July 12th as per Francisco.

The heavy handed Filipino boasts of a 24 win record against a solitary defeat and a draw, with 19 of those wins coming by knockouts. Meanwhile, Avalos holds a record of 21 wins against 2 losses. He has also proven himself as a heavy puncher, knocking out 16 of his past opponents. He was once a winner of the WBO Intercontinental and NABA-USA Super Bantam title.

Their fight according to Francisco will also possibly be for a regional 122 pound belt.

Francisco has been training in the U.S. for more than a month now under the supervision of trainer, Justin Fortune in his Los Angeles gym. He last fought on November 17, 2012 as part of the undercard of fellow Filipino boxer, Brian Viloria at the LA Sports Arena winning with a TKO in the 5th round over Mexican Javier Gallo.

You can reach the author at rrmaze24@aol.com and on Twitter at @Freemazon910.

Justin Fortune ties the gloves of Drian Francisco. Photo by Jhay Otamias.

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