FILIPINO boxer Drian Francisco, determined to become a world champion, is willing to fight anybody in the bantamweight or super-bantamweight division.
His manager, Elmer Anuran, yesterday told the PSA Forum at Shakey’s Malate that he won’t stop until he lands a world title shot for the 30-year-old Francisco.
“That’s our goal,” said Anuran who’s hoping that Francisco hurdles his November 17 bout against Mexico’s Javier Gallo (18-5-2) at the Sports Arena in Los Angeles.
Francisco, who is 23-1-1, will fight in the undercard of Brian Viloria’s bout against Hernan 'Tyson' Marquez for the WBO and WBA flyweight crowns.
A big win over Gallo, who at 5’8 ½” is three inches taller than the Filipino, could give Francisco a shot at the world title early next year, according to his manager.
Two weeks ago, Francisco almost earned a crack at WBO super-bantamweight titlist Guillermo Rigondeaux of Cuba. But at the last minute, the negotiations fell through.
Rigondeaux, a two-time Olympic champion and 11-0 as a professional, opted to fight former champion Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym of Thailand on December 15.
Rigondeaux will see action in the undercard of Nonito Donaire’s highly anticipated title fight against Mexican Jorge Arce at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
“The plan is if Drian wins on Sunday, we will go after the Thai who recently defeated AJ Banal,” said Anuran, referring to Pungluang Sor Singyu.
“We will see if the Thai would call the fight and if he wants we can do it in Manila. We will make our intentions known to them,” said Anuran.
Francisco is an exciting fighter who opted to finish college before turning pro. Over the last couple of years he’s been working hard for a shot at the world title.
“At his level right now anything is possible, depending on how he fights on Sunday. But we will grab any available opportunity in the bantamweight or super-bantam class,” said Anuran.
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