Drian’s chance of a lifetime

Hard-luck Drian Francisco used to be the WBA’s No. 1 contender in the superflyweight division and even held the WBA crown for six months on an interim basis. But the big win for all the marbles has eluded the Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro, fighter known as “Gintong Kamao.”

Francisco, 33, even spent a few years in the US training with Justin Fortune, hoping to get a break. Maybe, it was a lack of focus or a discipline issue or a case of stubbornness. Whatever it was, Francisco just couldn’t find the luck to make it to the top.

In 2011, Francisco was unbeaten in 20 fights when he took on Terrapith Kokietgym in what seemed like an easy fight in Thailand. Alas, Francisco suffered the first knockdown in his career and lost his interim WBA title on points. Worse, Terrapith was later elevated as WBA regular champion without figuring in another encounter. Yet, Francisco had won a WBA title eliminator and held the interim crown for six months but never ascended the throne.

After back-to-back wins in Mexico and Los Angeles, Francisco went on an eight-month hiatus and resurrected to lose a decision to Cris Avalos in Las Vegas in 2013. Over a year later, he was back in the ring to halt Manuel de los Reyes Herrera with a body shot in Pleasantville, California. The long periods of inactivity, however, took Francisco out of the world ratings. Then, Francisco returned to the Philippines. He got involved in a legal tussle with manager Elmer Anuran for signing with MP Promotions but it was eventually resolved. Anuran backed off because he knew Francisco’s future would be more secure in Manny Pacquiao’s stable.

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Last May, Francisco took another bad turn and was knocked out by unheralded Jason Canoy in the first round in General Santos City. He was down thrice before the bout was waved off. Francisco claimed he was sick and not in his right senses. Obviously, Francisco took Canoy lightly. He should’ve known that Canoy is a battle-scarred veteran who has figured in brawls in Russia, Ukraine and Thailand. Francisco bounced back from the defeat to stop Jilo Merlin in the first round in General Santos and was booked to take on Danilo Pena last Friday when an offer came to face Cuba’s Guillermo Rigondeaux on the Miguel Cotto-Saul (Canelo) Alvarez undercard in Las Vegas this Saturday night (Sunday morning, Manila time).

Pacquiao’s connections got Francisco the chance of a lifetime, proving Anuran’s decision right to let go. It won’t be a title fight because Rigondeaux has been stripped of recognition by the WBA and WBO as superbantamweight champion due to inactivity. The 35-year-old Cuban hasn’t fought since halting Japanese challenger Hisashi Amagasa in Osaka in December last year. Rigondeaux was decked twice in the fight before rebounding.

Although he’s no longer a world champion, Rigondeaux is still considered one of the world’s top fighters. In The Ring Magazine’s pound-for-pound ladder as of last Nov. 10, Rigondeaux was ranked No. 5 and Pacquiao No. 8.

Rigondeaux has a 15-0 record, with 10 KOs, but the lack of fights doesn’t mean he isn’t experienced. The Cuban is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a two-time world amateur champion. He turned pro at a late age – 28 in 2009 – after a long and distinguished amateur career. Rigondeaux had to defect from Cuba to become a prizefighter.

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Rigondeaux is a stylist like Floyd Mayweather and just as boring. There’s no doubt he’s a technically-skilled boxer but he’s not a thrill to watch because he fights cautiously. In 2013, he took on Nonito Donaire Jr. in a WBA-WBO unification superbantamweight title fight. The Cuban was floored once in the 10th round but survived to win on points.

Despite his unblemished record, Rigondeaux is far from invincible. He was floored by Ricardo Cordoba and barely eked out a win by split decision in 2010. The Cuban was also decked by Donaire and Amagasa twice. What’s remarkable is Rigondeaux has recovered from the trips to the canvas to beat Cordoba, Donaire and Amagasa.

Francisco’s chances to beat Rigondeaux hinge on his ability to land the big punch. Rigondeaux has been inactive for a year and will come in rusty. If he’s not ready for Francisco, the Filipino will make him pay. A strong start by Francisco is key to surprise Rigondeaux. Francisco isn’t the type to box from long range. He’s a brawler who’s unorthodox and unconventional. Francisco could catch Rigondeaux napping the way he caught Panamanians Ricardo Nuñez and Roberto Vazquez unaware in scoring back-to-back knockouts.

How prepared is Rigondeaux is anybody’s guess. Both the WBA and WBO were exasperated with his uncooperative nature, finally defrocking him of recognition as world champion. If Rigondeaux’ head isn’t in place, Francisco will be ready to knock it off. It’s his chance of a lifetime to make up for those nightmarish setbacks. A win over Rigondeaux will turn Francisco’s boxing fortunes around overnight. He can’t afford to let this opportunity slip away. For Francisco, it’s a make-or-break proposition.