Boxer Francisco hopes to put past heartaches behind

Drian Francisco is just about ready to throw away all the set backs he has encountered when he challenges veteran Roberto Vazquez for the World Boxing Association (WBA) International super-flyweight crown on Oct. 3 at the Cuneta Astrodome. Francisco is confident of securing a win and that would complete his dream of becoming a world champion. “I know I’m the underdog in this fight but I’m not afraid. I have prepared long and hard to be given this opportunity. And now that I have this opportunity, I will try to prove that I truly deserve this." Francisco, 26 and who holds a 17-win and one-draw card, has long been waiting to fight a decent opponent. He was already training as early as May since he was scheduled to fight Mexican Rafael Concepcion last July 26.

The contract was already signed by both parties but Concepcion opted out and instead fought Nonito Donaire Jr. last August 15. Concepcion, who was overweight for the match, lost a unanimous decision against Donaire. For his fight with Vasquez, Francisco is guaranteed to pocket $3,000 while his opponent will receive $20,000. “I have no complaint about what happened because I’m taking this opportunity as a step in my dream to be a world champion. Even if I’m being paid less, a victory here will definitely give me a much better deal in my next fight," said Francisco. “He (Francisco) is Philippine boxing’s best kept secret. He is the modified version of Luisito Espinosa and he is very good when on the ropes," said Elmer Anuran of Save By the Bell promotions who is also Francisco’s manager, For this fight, Francisco sparred for 120 rounds and has prepared himself for Vasquez crisp right hook and left straights. “He’s a switch hitter but I expect him to be aggressive for this fight. I hope to end the fight inside six rounds but I’m also prepared if the fight goes the full route," added Francisco, who hails from Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro. Vasquez also expresses readiness to face the challenge of Francisco and go out victorious after the fight. “I have prepared very hard for this fight knowing the qualify of opponent I will be facing. It will be an interesting fight and I’m prepared to do everything to win this fight." Vasquez, whose nickname is La Araña or The Spider, packs a mean 27-3 record with 20 KO. He was the former WBA world light flyweight champion and the former WBA interim world flyweight title holder. The weather will not be a problem because its much hotter in Puerto Rico. But the crowd may be a point for Francisco. But I’m prepared and ready for this fight," added Vasquez, who is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Hugo Fidel Cazares last March 24. – GMANews.TV