Drian fights on Thai's turf for WBA crown

MANILA, Philippines - Up-and-coming Filipino prizefighter Drian “Gintong Kamao” Francisco makes his first overseas stint in hostile Thailand when he goes up against Duanpetch Kokietgym for the vacant World Boxing Association interim super flyweight title on Nov. 30.

“Drian will see action in his first fight abroad, and we believe, despite the fight being staged in Thailand, that he has a good chance of prevailing,” said the Filipino’s promoter, Elmer Arunan, in yesterday’s PSA forum at the Shakey’s UN Ave.

Arunan, president of the Saved by the Bell Promotions, said that Francisco, unbeaten in 19 matches, including 15 knockouts, has been training hard against the veteran 30-year-old Thai, a southpaw who totes an impressive record of 52 wins (21 KOs), one win and one draw.

“Kokietgym may have the experience but we believe that our boy has the style and ring smarts to beat him,” he said.

Francisco and Kokietgym will be disputing the belt left vacant by Nonito “The Flash” Donaire Jr.

He noted that Kokietgym has a reputation of beating Filipino boxers, his latest victim being Edwin Tumbaga, whom he stopped in two rounds last Sept. 10 in their clash for the Pan Asian Boxing Association super flyweight title in Udon Thani, Thailand.

Aware that Thailand is notorious for its hometown decisions, Arunan said he is taking steps to ensure that the 28-year-old pride of Agoncillo, Batangas will not get a raw deal.

“First, we asked WBA president Gilberto Mendoza to assign us neutral judges and referees,” Arunan said. “We were assured that we will have American and European officials who will officiate the bout.”

He added that since the fight was set in the remote northern Thai province of Nong Khai, an 11-hour trip by land from Bangkok, Francisco and his trainers will take a direct flight from the Thai capital to the fight site instead.

“Instead of one being in Thailand one week before the match, Francisco will be in Thailand two weeks to train for this important match,” Arunan said.

He added that he will also bring a lot of Filipino followers to watch the championship, including GAB chairman Juan Ramon Guanzon, who vowed to be at ringside in his first official trip abroad as head of the government agency regulating pro sports.