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Philippines, 19 Apr 2026 |
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DRIAN CONFIDENT OF DEFENDING TITLE IN THAILAND By Dennis U. Eroa PhilBoxing.com Thu, 28 Apr 2011  BANGKOK, Thailand ? REIGNING World Boxing Association interim super flyweight titleholder Drian ??Golden Fists?? Francisco finally came-to-face with his challenger and Thai rising star Tepparith Singwancha Wednesday during the press conference at the 13coins Hotel Rama 9 here. Francisco, looking extremely fit and confident, thanked Thai mediamen and fight sponsors for the warm welcome for the upcoming title fight May 1 in Petchaburi. But he isn?t veering away from his plan to dictate the tempo of the fight against Tepparith, who is eyeing to avenge the loss of countryman Duangpetch Kokietgym to the popular Filipino fighter. For the second straight time since humiliating Duangpetch in Nong Khai last year, Francisco (20-0-1, 16 KOs) will show his stuff against boxing-crazy Thailand. Tepparith is the reigning Pan Asia Boxing Association titlist and is ranked fourth by the WBA. He holds a record of (15-2-0, 10KOs) and had victimized Filipino fighters Mating Kilakil, Ryan Tampus, Apol Suico, Nino Suelo, Along Denoy, Ryan Maliteg and Ryan Migreno. Saved By the Bell Promotion president and Francisco promoter Elmer Anuran said the pride of Touch Gloves Boxing Gym has a longer reach and slightly taller against the 5-foot-4 Thai. ??But the Thai is well-built,?? said Anuran, who had earlier said that the challenger cannot be taken for granted. ??Drian is very excited. He knows that this is a huge step as we seek Hugo Cazares?(34-6-2, 24KOs) for the WBA plum this year.?? Anuran said Drian has no problem with his weight. ?He weighs 117,?? said Anuran, who stressed that Francisco wants to impress anew the boxing world by knocking out the Thai. The weigh-in will be held Saturday with Team Francisco planning to motor immediately to Petchaburi. ??Drian wants to finish the bout within six rounds but he is ready to go the distance,?? Anuran said. An added inspiration to Francisco is his father Deo, a former boxing champion, who is with Team Francisco here. Also attending the meet-the-press are trainer Benny de la Pe?a and all-around man Juvie Encontro. According to the WBA, American Rafael Ramos will referee the bout. Judges are Californian Raul Caiz Jr., New Zealander Francisco Martinez and Bulgarian Venciclav Nikolov. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dennis U. Eroa.  |
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