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Philippines, 03 Feb 2026 |
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DRIAN FRANCISCO AIMS FOR RECOGNITION AGAINST "TORITO" PhilBoxing.com Mon, 08 Jun 2009 When Filipino prospect Drian Francisco takes on Panama's Rafael Concepcion on July 26 at the Cuneta Astrodome, it will mark as his biggest test to date, a fight that can either put him in the map, or dismiss him as just another hype job. The event, dubbed "Banal na Paghihigante" is bankrolled by Saved by the Bell and Solar Sports. The 26-year-old Francisco, however, seems bent on making this bout as his coming out party, as he has been training religiously, and has tapped the no-nonsense ring tactician Benny De la Pena as his trainer. "The guy is really serious in winning this fight. He knows Concepcion has a reputation of silencing the hometown crowd, just like what he did when he knocked out AJ Banal," said promoter Elmer Anuran, who is putting up the show along with Solar Sports. Concepcion, nicknamed "El Torito," stopped the talented Banal in the tenth round on July 26, 2007, exactly two years when Francisco shall have fought the Panamanian. With that come-from-behind victory over Banal, Concepcion not only won the interim WBA superflyweight title, but also the admiration of Filipino fans who dedicated that win to his newly-born baby, whom he heard egging him to fight on during tough moments of the Banal fight. "Concepcion is the man who beat the man, so Drian Francisco wants to beat him to establish himself as the new prospect to watch for Philippine boxing," added Anuran, one of the country's youngest boxing promoters who can put up big-time shows. Reports indicate that Anuran made sure he paid Concepcion well enough for him not to turn down an offer to fight Francisco right at the latter's home turf. In the undercard, Denver Cuello and Roberto Gonzales are already penciled to face separate opponents also for regional titles. "We have yet to come up with the complete line-up of the card, but this early we can assure the fans of exciting bouts and competitive matches," informs Anuran.  |
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