Drian risks all in Thailand

MANILA, Philippines - In what has to be the biggest risk in his ring career, unbeaten Drian Francisco takes on veteran Duangpetch Kokiet-Gym for the WBA interim superflyweight crown in a 12-round bout in Thailand on Nov. 30 with an upside of challenging for the world championship and a downside of falling out of the title picture.

Francisco, 27, isn’t just staking his WBA No. 1 ranking but his lofty standing in the other governing bodies. He is rated No. 2 by the WBO, No. 4 by the IBF and No. 5 by the WBC. But Francisco’s manager Elmer Anuran said it’s a gamble worth taking even if the fighter from Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro, has never seen action overseas.

“Drian is ready,” said Anuran. “There’s no stopping him. He was prepared to travel to Mexico to face Cristian Mijares but the fight was cancelled. Then, we got offers to fight Roberto Sosa in Argentina and Victor Zaleta in Mexico. In the end, we decided to accept the offer to fight Duangpetch. We know the Thai is a tough opponent but we’re not holding Drian back.”

Anuran said a win over Duangpetch will seal Francisco’s bout against WBA 115-pound champion Hugo Cazares of Mexico early next year. The Thai is rated No. 3 by the WBA and has a 52-1-1 record, with 21 KOs. Eight of his victims were Filipinos, namely, Edwin Tumbaga, Michael Rodriguez, Rey Megrino, Anthony Esmedina, Celso Danggud, Eric Barcelona, Janrey Verano and Gerald Ubatay.

“We’ve studied Duangpetch on tape and we’re confident,” said Anuran. “He’s an in and out fighter. I don’t think he can handle Drian’s pressure and power. All we want is a fair shake. I’ve personally called (WBA executive vice president) Gilberto Jesus Mendoza to ask for a neutral referee and neutral judges. I’ve invited (Games and Amusements Board) chairman (Monju) Guanzon, boxing chief Dr. Nasser Cruz and WBA referee Ver Abainza to Thailand so we can band together in protecting Drian.”

Anuran said the Thai promoter has not disclosed the site of the fight. “I suspect it will be several hours away from Bangkok by car,” he said. “They’ll make it difficult for Drian. Even if they give us a hotel, I’ll look for our own accommodations. We’ll provide our own water. We’ll check the calibration of the weighing scales. There are too many horror stories coming out of Thailand about boxing. We’ll be vigilant. They know a win over Drian will give Duangpetch a chance at the title. They’ve got everything to gain and we’ve got everything to lose.”

Anuran said Francisco is deep in training and now weighs 122 pounds, seven over the limit with six weeks left before the bout. “He’s looking sharper by the day,” said Anuran. “He’s comfortable in the superflyweight division and I think he’ll stay where he is for a while. His dream is to unify the superflyweight championship. I think it’s a realistic target. I don’t see any of the world champions giving Drian any problem – Cazares or WBO’s Omar Narvaez or WBC’s Tomas Rojas or IBF’s Alberto Rosas.”

Francisco and Duangpetch will dispute the title to be vacated by Nonito Donaire Jr. A formal relinquishment is being awaited by the WBA before sanctioning the duel in Thailand.

“We plan to travel to Thailand about 10 or 12 days before the fight, regardless of how many days of free accommodations they give us,” said Anuran. “I’m not relying on anyone except ourselves. Drian is so close to a world title shot and I’m not throwing it away.”

Anuran said Francisco is mowing down sparmates in the gym and nobody comes close to giving him a hard time, not even fighters who are bigger and stronger.

“Drian’s trainer Benny (de la Peña) knows how to spot fighters,” said Anuran. “Benny will tell you Drian’s got guts and a big heart. Drian is our future world champion. He’ll prove it by beating Duangpetch and he’ll prove it by beating Cazares or whichever champion is willing to defend against him.”

Francisco has a 19-0-1 record, with 15 KOs. His last two victims were Panamanians Roberto Vasquez and Ricardo Nunez who both lost inside the distance. Duangpetch, 30, turned pro in 1997, eight years before Francisco’s debut, and his only loss came in his second bout.