MANILA, Philippines - Ito na ang pinakahihintay na ‘break’ ni Drian “Gintong Kamao” Francisco.
Nakatakdang sagupain ni Francisco, ang kasalukuyang World Boxing Association (WBA) International superflyweight champion, si Ricardo “El Matematico” Nun 0ez ng Panama sa Marso 27 sa Ynares Sports Arena sa Pasig City.
Ang mananalo sa naturang title eliminator nina Francisco at Nunez ang siyang hahamon kay WBA superflyweight titlist Nobou Nashiro ng Japan, magdedepensa ng kanyang korona kay Mexican challenger Hugo Cazares.
Ibinabandera ni Francisco ang 18-0-1 win-loss-draw ring record kasama ang 14 KOs, habang dala naman ni Nuñez ang 17-1-0 (15 KOs).
“Drian is a very intelligent fighter and he knows the importance of this fight as he aims for the world title. He is preparing hard for this bout because a victory will make him a win away from the world title,” ani Elmer Anuran, pangulo ng Saved by the Bell Promotions na humahawak kay Francisco.
Nanggaling si Francisco sa isang 10th-round TKO kay two-time Panamanian world champion Roberto Vasquez noong nakaraang Oktubre sa Boxing at the Bay series sa Cuneta Astrodome sa Pasay City.
Mula sa naturang tagumpay kay Vasquez, umakyat si Francisco ng Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro sa No. 3 sa listahan ng WBA super flyweight division.
“Nuñez is determined to avenge the loss of Vasquez. But Drian is determined to make it two-in-a row over Panamanian fighters,” ani Anuran sa Panamanian. (RC)