Math whiz mum on fight plan

MANILA, Philippines - Panama’s Ricardo (El Matematico) Nuñez yesterday refused to divulge what he has in mind for Drian Francisco when they clash in a 12-round WBA superflyweight title eliminator at the Ynares Gym in Pasig tomorrow night.

Nuñez, 22, wouldn’t disclose how he intends to fight Francisco, preferring to keep everyone guessing. His trainer Francisco Arroyo said what’s in store for the Filipino known as “Gintong Kamao” is a secret and it will only be revealed when the first bell rings.

Asked if he prefers to fight from close range or long distance, Nuñez was non-committal. “It depends on my opponent,” he said. “I’ll do whatever it takes to win. I can go toe-to-toe or I can box. I respect Francisco. I’ve seen his fights on tape. I know I can beat him.”

Francisco, 27, said he’s shooting for a sixth round knockout but if Nuñez proves durable, he’ll be ready to go 12 rounds – even 15. He said his speed will make the difference in the bout and his power will take care of the rest.

Nuñez, a computer science graduate, avoided making definitive statements. He wouldn’t even comment on which is his strongest punch or if he plans to end the fight early. Reminded that Francisco is unbeaten in 19 outings, Nuñez just shrugged his shoulders as if to say, “what, me worry?”

The only thing Nuñez categorically revealed was vengeance isn’t in his agenda even as Francisco stopped another Panamanian, Roberto Vasquez, at the Cuneta Astrodome last October.

“I don’t feel I have to avenge Vasquez’ defeat,” said Nuñez. “There is no anger or hatred in my heart. Vasquez took Francisco lightly, didn’t train hard and paid the price. I’m well-prepared for Francisco. Although I’ve never gone beyond six rounds in my career, I know I can go 12 if necessary.”

Arroyo, 48, said Nuñez trained three months for Francisco and is ready for war. The legendary trainer has worked with former world champion Vicente Mosquera, WBA and IBF superbantamweight titlist Celestino Caballero and bantamweight contender Nehomar Cermeno. When WBA executive vice president Gilberto Mendoza Jr. sparred in a friendly benefit with Evander Holyfield, Oscar de la Hoya and Felix Trinidad to promote the governing body’s drive against drugs some years ago, he handpicked Arroyo as his trainer.

It is Arroyo’s second visit to the country. Two years ago, he worked Rafael Concepcion’s corner when “El Torito” halted A. J. Banal in the 10th round in Cebu. Arroyo said he’s back to win once more.

Nuñez arrived here from Panama with Arroyo, conditioning coach Gustavo Cervantes and boxing aficionado Carlos Costa last Friday. Cervantes started to teach Nuñez the rudiments of the fight game when he was seven and guided his amateur career where “El Matematico” lost only twice in 120 bouts.

“Nuñez likes mathematics and adding up numbers in his mind, like the punches he lands in a fight,” said Arroyo. “If it goes the distance, Nuñez will make sure he’s ahead. That’s because his brain works like a computer.”

Costa said adjusting to Manila weather is no problem. “We’re very comfortable,” he noted. “The weather is just like in Panama City. We’re getting adjusted to the time change.” Nuñez promised a “spectacular” fight and invited local boxing fans to witness what he vowed will be a decisive win over Francisco. The Filipino, however, said he is determined to beat Nuñez for the chance to challenge the winner of the WBA superflyweight title bout between defending champion Nobuo Nashiro and Mexican challenger Hugo Cazares in Osaka on May 8.

Costa predicted Cazares will win the title and Francisco’s manager Elmer Anuran said he hopes the Mexican will dethrone the Japanese.

“Cazares is a former world champion and I think it will be easier to bring him to Manila to fight Drian than Nashiro,” said Anuran. “But we’re not looking past Nuñez.”

Solar TV chief executive officer Peter Chanliong described the dangerous Nunez as “the real deal.” “This is Drian’s big test,” he said. “Nuñez is his toughest opponent so far. If he hurdles Nuñez, I think he’ll be on the way to become the next Filipino world champion.”

Anuran said a win over Nuñez will open doors for Francisco.

“The priority is to fight for the WBA title and Mr. Mendoza himself has assured a shot at the championship,” said Anuran. “But I’ve been told that Vic Darchinyan may give up the WBA and WBC titles which means Drian will be next in line to fight for the vacant belts if he beats Nuñez. Jorge Arce is also relinquishing the WBO crown so that’s another option. We’ll study the options and decide what’s best for Drian but right now, the priority is to beat Nuñez.”