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Philippines, 14 May 2024 |
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I'm ready to rumble: Francisco By Dennis U. Eroa PhilBoxing.com Sun, 01 May 2011  BANGKOK, Thailand -- Drian ''Golden Fists'' Francisco believes in the time-proven saying that the main purpose of boxing is to finish your opponent as quickly as possible. ''I'm ready to rumble and I plan to attack, attack and attack. My focus is to finish the Thai early,'' said the 28-year-old pride of Touch Gloves Boxing Gym in Agoncillo, Batangas. Francisco breezed through the weigh-in yesterday for his defense of the WBA super flyweight interim crown against Thai rising star Terrapith Singwancha May 1 at Petchaburi. Hugely popular among fight fans here, Francisco tipped the scales at 115 lbs, while Tepparith, fighting for the first time as a super flyweight, made it at 115.2 pounds. Team Francisco headed by Batangueno sportsman-businessman Elmer Anuran and president of the Saved by the Bell Promotions, said Tepparith's extra weight posed no problem. ''We're very happy. I expect Drian to climb the ring at 124 lbs,'' said Anuran after weigh in attended by WBA officials headed by Korean Alan Kim at the 13 Coins Grand Resort Hotel at Rama 9. Also in attendance were Drian father and ex-pro Deo, trainer Benny de la Pena, SBB executives Danny Anuran and Rod Nebiar, conditioning guru Juvie Encontro and supporters Efren Brutunel and Pops Nera. Dr. Nasser Cruz of the Games and Amusements Board and promoter Aljoe Jaro were also present. Danna Ruth Mendoza, who will sing the national anthem before the bout, also lend his support. Games and Amusements Board chairman Ramon Guanzon also sent his prayers and good luck to Team Francisco. Rafael Ramos, who was the third man in the ring during the Manny Pacquiao-Joshua Clottey fight in the Cowboys Stadium, also attended along with the judges. Francisco was mobbed by photographers and sportswriters after the weigh-in. International matchmaker Naris Singwancha said the Filipino -pride is the favorite to win the bout but Tepparith may pull a suprise if there's no early knockouts. ''This is a very hard fight. Both fighters are very strong. Drian Francisco is a strong boxer, he's very good,'' said Singwancha, who was at ringside when Francisco pulled a sensational 10th round TKO over Thai hero Duangpetch Kokietgym last year in Nong Khai province. Tepparith (15-0-2, 10KOs) said this is a huge fight for him because his opponent is very talented. ''This is a huge fight for me. I want to avenge Duangpetch's loss. Francisco is very strong,'' said Tepparith through an interpreter. The Thai is the reigning Pan Asian Boxing Association titleholder. Anuran said Francisco knows the importance of the bout in his quest for the world crown being held by Mexican Hugo Cazares. Panamanian boxing lover and sports correspondent said only one among the handful Thai mediamen said Tepparith will snatch the title.''They agree that Francisco should win this bout.'' ''Drian is a thinking fighter,'' said Anuran.''He knows that he cannot take Tepparith easy.'' De la Pena said Francisco's training camp went well. ''He can last the distance. We studied the style of Tepparith and Drian knows what to do,'' said De la Pena. Deo, now with the Bureau of Fire Protection, said his son is determined to keep the title. ''He's in tip-top shape and I expect him to controlled the bout.'' Francisco, a college degree holder whose unorthodox style and gentlemanly bevahior off the ring, makes him a crowd favorite, said he is dedicating the bout to his countrymen and family. He also asked for the prayers of his fellow Filpinos.'' This fight is also dedicated to the heroism of Filipino workers. I know how it feels to be with the working class and I hope that I'll give them happiness after this bout.'' Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dennis U. Eroa.  |
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