Francisco confident of win vs Nuñez

MANILA, Philippines - Drian Francisco has belittled his opponent, Ricardo Nuñez of Panama, when he said in last Wednesday’s press conference that it’s going to be a walk in the park.

Tonight, at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig City, and in front of his countrymen, the undefeated Filipino superflyweight will have to let his fists do the talking.

“If he thinks he’s going to win, I’m sure I’m going to win,” said Francisco in Filipino as he geared up for the 12-round battle that serves as the WBA superflyweight eliminator.

Both fighters weighed in at exactly 115 lb, the superflyweight limit, during yesterday’s official weigh-in at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Ortigas, and Francisco remained as confident.

During the press conference, the 27-year-old Francisco sized up his opponent, whom he’d only seen on tape, and said that there’s no way he’d lose this one.

“Kayang-kaya,” he told The STAR.

Francisco, armed with an 18-0 record, is eyeing a victory could set him up for a shot at either the WBA crown being held by Japan’s Nobuo Nashira or the WBC crown that might soon be vacated by Vic Darchinyan.

He trained long and hard for this fight, logging in 200 rounds of sparring. He said he will try to finish off Nuñez (17-1) inside six rounds, but added that he’s ready to last the distance as well.

“Expect a good fight. I won’t allow myself to lose in front of our countrymen,” said Francisco, who last October defeated another Panamanian, the out-of-shape Roberto Vasquez, at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Vasquez came in overweight and was so sluggish during the fight, disappointing the fans, and some of his countrymen as well, in a 10-round knockout loss.

Nuñez’ trainer, Francisco Arroyo, said his ward is no Vasquez.

“He’s not like Roberto Vasquez. He’s dedicated and absolutely ready,” said Arroyo, who was also in the country almost two years ago to steer Rafael Concepcion to a stunning victory over AJ Banal in Cebu City.

Arroyo said a combination of speed and power will carry them to victory.

Carlos Costa, who belongs to the Nunez camp, said Francisco should expect a much tougher fight than the one he had against Vasquez.

“Vasquez was a disapppointment to the people of Panama. He has no discipline. He thought Drian (Francisco) was an easy fish. And Nuñez is not like him. I wouldn’t have flown here all the way from Panama if he was like Roberto Vasquez,” said Costa.

“But I think I’m faster and I will use that to my advantage. He’s tough but I think I’m faster,” said Francisco.