Philippines, 03 Apr 2025
  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:

  • 5 Pinoy boxers to fight in Japan
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 03 Apr 2025
  • Transatlantic Clash II - "Battle at the Bridge"
    , Thu, 03 Apr 2025
  • Marco “El Tiburón” Romero moving up to scheduled 6-round bout next
    , Thu, 03 Apr 2025
  • Filipino chess phenom wins at Spring Blitz Chess Championship in Dubai
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 03 Apr 2025
  • Team USA Advances Two More Boxers to Medal Rounds at World Boxing Cup: Brazil 2025
    , Thu, 03 Apr 2025
  • IM Bagamasbad eyes GM title in Australian Chess Circuit
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 03 Apr 2025
  • SAMPSON BOXING SIGNS TOP UNDEFEATED LIGHT FLYWEIGHT CONTENDER ERICK BADILLO TO CO-PROMOTIONAL CONTRACT
    , Thu, 03 Apr 2025
  • TURKISH KNOCKOUT ARTIST ELIF NUR TURHAN PENS PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM
    , Thu, 03 Apr 2025
  • The Past Week in Action 31 March 2025: Norman Stops Cuevas in 3; Mayer Outpoints Ryan; Zepeda Edges Farmer; Collazo Stops Cano; Yabuki KOs Ayala
    By Eric Armit, , Wed, 02 Apr 2025
  • Wild and Wooly Wind-up Seen in West Top 3-6
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Wed, 02 Apr 2025
  • Rise of the Samurai: Inoue vs Nakatani in 2026
    By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 02 Apr 2025
  • Undefeated super middleweight prospect Tommy Hyde a true Irish Road Warrior In Australia for April 11th fight
    , Wed, 02 Apr 2025
  • Melvin the Avenger
    By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 02 Apr 2025
  • WORLD-RANKED LIGHTWEIGHT ARMANDO MARTINEZ RABI TO FACE ALBERTO GUEVARA IN MAIN EVENT OF FISTS OF FURY 6
    , Wed, 02 Apr 2025
  • Carlos Flowers Shines on Day One for Team USA in World Boxing Cup: Brazil 2025
    , Wed, 02 Apr 2025
  • Tellez Sisters Reina and Gabriela Sign with Boxlab Promotions
    , Wed, 02 Apr 2025
  • Arena Grand Master Mohamad Sacar sweeps 1st Vientiane Open FIDE Rated Standard Chess Tournament
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 02 Apr 2025
  • Unbeaten junior middleweight prospect Anthony “ATV” Velazquez Ready to bust out of New England
    , Tue, 01 Apr 2025
  • BOOTS VS. STANIONIS – ‘MAKE THE DAYS COUNT’ PREMIERES NOW
    , Tue, 01 Apr 2025
  • “THE FILIPINO FLASH” NONITO DONAIRE TO MAKE FIRST VISIT TO CANASTOTA FOR 2025 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND FESTIVITIES
    , Tue, 01 Apr 2025
  • Tokyo Olympian Rashida Ellis signs long term management contract with Trifon Petrov
    , Tue, 01 Apr 2025
  • Fightbook Adds Brendan Gibbons to Lead Athlete & Fan Activation Strategy
    , Tue, 01 Apr 2025
  • BOXLAB PROMOTIONS RETURNS TO ORLANDO FOR ACTION-PACKED FIGHT NIGHT ON APRIL 18
    , Tue, 01 Apr 2025
  • Takeaways From Last Weekend's Fights in Japan
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Mon, 31 Mar 2025
  • Lope Tenorio: El Bulakeño Matón (The Bulacan Brawler)
    By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Mon, 31 Mar 2025




  •  



     
    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
    © 2025 philboxing.com.