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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.


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