Philippines, 24 Jan 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Francisco Fights Behind Enemy Lines


PhilBoxing.com




Drian Francisco is undoubtedly one of the Philippines? hottest boxing prospects. With a record of 19 wins and a draw, with 15 wins coming via the short route, Francisco is literally a fight away from a shot at the big names on the super flyweight division.

After an inspiring knockout victory over Ricardo Nunez, Francisco will now travel to Thailand to face a dangerous foe. At stake, is the WBA interim title and the shot at the WBA world title in the super flyweight division which is currently held by Hugo Cazares (33-6-2, 24 KOs).

Standing on Francisco?s way is Duangpetch Kookiet Gym (52-1-1, 21 KOs). Kookiet Gym is a tough Thai fighter who has not lost since September 7, 1997, in what was his second professional fight. He had a draw in 2005 but proceeded to win his next 30 fights. His latest victim is Filipino Edwin Tumbaga who lasted only 5 minutes and 13 seconds against Kookiet Gym. Incidentally, Tumbaga also fought Francisco back in 2007 and also lost via second round TKO.

Francisco on the other hand is coming off six straight wins since his draw against Nino Suello way back in 2007. After headlining Boxing at the Bay 1: First Strike and Boxing at the Bay 3: Young Guns, Francisco will take his talents to Thailand with the aim of appending the WBA interim super flyweight title and earning a shot at the WBA world super flyweight title.
However this is much easier said than done. Francisco is a talented fighter who has power in both hands but Kookiet Gym is a tough customer who will give Francisco a tough time. Kookiet Gym is a vastly experienced fighter who has 54 fights under his belt; Francisco on the other hand has only 20 fights and has never fought outside the Philippines.

Francisco is under high pressure to end this fight by knockout. Because he is fighting on foreign soil, a knockout is the only thing that could assure him of a victory. Elmer Anuran, Francisco?s manager, has already written to the WBA to ask for neutral judges and a neutral referee. He has also booked their own flights and hotel accommodations to prevent anything untoward from happening.

Gintong Kamao, as Francisco is called, needs to be in the best shape of his life against Kookiet Gym. He needs a clear victory for him to gain momentum for the gigantic match-ups that he will get should he trample this final obstacle.

Photo: Drian Francisco (R) with his manager Elmer Anuran.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlo Pamintuan.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Andy Cruz vs Raymond Muratalla: Who Will Execute?
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Libranza to fight undefeated Tso for IBF Pan Pacific bantam
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Filipino Cue Artist RJ Bautista Ready to Shine at the Las Vegas Open 2026
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • MURATALLA VS. CRUZ WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER
    , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Xander Zayas vs. Abass Baraou Fight Week Events to Stream LIVE on Top Rank’s Social Media Channels
    , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Ballesteros not yet ready against Ocum
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Chocolatito Gonzalez to undergo shoulder surgery
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • NM Nika finishes Sixth in Czech Republic Blitz chess tourney
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • The Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo RETURNS! Saturday May 2, 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
    , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Donaire back in Cebu
    By Joaquin Henson, , Fri, 23 Jan 2026
  • MURATALLA VS. CRUZ IN LAS VEGAS FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
    , Fri, 23 Jan 2026
  • Four Pinoys in line for title shots
    By Joaquin Henson, , Fri, 23 Jan 2026
  • After the meeting in Mexico City, the WBC is ready for 2026
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Fri, 23 Jan 2026
  • Former world title challenger Jerry Belmontes Returns to ring at home after nearly a decade in Retirement on January 31 in Texas
    , Fri, 23 Jan 2026
  • SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT RONNY ALVAREZ TRAINING CAMP NOTES
    , Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • STRICKLAND STUNS REYES AS SOUQUET SEALS REDEMPTION | WNT LEGENDS
    , Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • Knicks defeats Nets 120-66 to post largest margin of victory in franchise history
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • Mauricio Sulaiman: "We simply urge Zuffa Boxing to respect and protect boxing and the boxer"
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • January 31: Xander Zayas-Abass Baraou Junior Middleweight Title Unification Showdown to Stream LIVE on Top Rank Classics FAST Channel in the United States
    , Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • Mike Tyson to Launch “Mike Tyson Invitational,” a Three-Day Amateur Boxing Showcase Aimed at Elevating the Future of American Boxing
    , Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • KAIPO GALLEGOS TRAINING CAMP NOTES
    , Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • REYES AND BUSTAMANTE DELIVER HOME-SOIL MASTERCLASS | WNT LEGENDS
    , Wed, 21 Jan 2026
  • Reigning World 10-ball Champion Filipino cue master Jonas Magpantay to see action in Indonesia pool tourney
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 21 Jan 2026
  • OLYMPIC BOXING 7: 1936 OLYMPICS AT BERLIN, GERMANY
    By Maloney L. Samaco, , Wed, 21 Jan 2026
  • Usyk and Zuffa Boxing Negotiations Update
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 21 Jan 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.