?Gintong Kamao? to fight in Bakbakan sa Labangal
By Lito delos Reyes
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 02 Sep 2015
FORMER interim world champion Drian ?Gintong Kamao? Francisco will now instead be fighting this Sunday in the main supporting bout of the Tibay ng Pinoy X: Bakbakan sa Labangal in General Santos City after his opponent for a title-fight got injured two weeks before the bout.
Francisco, who is handled by the MP Promotions will face former Philippine Boxing Federation (PBF) super bantamweight champion Jilo Merlin of the Llagas Stable of Iloilo Stable in a 10-round 120 lbs. bout.
?Sayang nga at na-injured pa ang kanyang kalaban sa sparring session two weeks bago ang laban nila,? said MP Davao Stable chief trainer Raides ?Nonoy? Neri.
Francisco was supposed to challenge reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) Oceania super bantamweight champion Jason ?Nugget? Cooper of Australia last August 29 at the Mansfield Tavern in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
But Cooper got injured during a sparring session.
The 32-year old Francisco, however, is still now ready to make his comeback after a shocking first round knockout loss from the hands of 25-year old Jason Canoy of Cebu last May 30 at the Lagao gym in General Santos City.
Francisco, a former interim IBF Pan Pacific super bantamweight champion, WBA International super flyweight and WBO Asia Pacific flyweight title-holder, should have not pushed through with his last fight since he was still stick.
But he was over-confident that he can still beat a younger and hungry fighter.
?He had learned his lesson not to be complacent and should fight 100 percent fit,? Neri said.
Francisco has 27 wins, 3 loses and 1 draw while the 27-year old Merlin is a veteran of international title-fights.
Merlin fought but lost for the vacant WBC Asian Boxing Council Continental super bantamweight crown by a unanimous decision against Qiu Xiao Jun on August 9, 2013 in Hengyang, China.
He also lost against Sod Kokietgym by a UD for the WBO Asia Pacific super bantamweight title in Phuket, Thailand last April 8, 2011.
Merlinn bowed to Diarh Gabutan by UD for the WBO Oriental bantam crown in July 17, 2010 in Pampanga. He suffered a first round knockout to Pungluang Sor Singyu for the WBO Asia Pacific Youth bantamweight title in Thailand on October 31, 2009.
Merlin knocked out Jestoni Pepito in the 4th round to capture the PBF super bantamweight title in Bislig City on Sept. 16, 2011.
Top photo: Drian Francisco landing a right.
Jilo Merlin with his PBF title belt.
?Beterano si Merlin at hindi puedeng magkupiyansa muli si Drian,? said Neri.
Pitted in the main event of the Bakbakan sa Labangal slated on Sept. 6 at 1 p.m. at the Barangay Labangal Gym is the 10-rounder between undefeated Genesis Libranza and former Luzon Professional Boxing Association (Luzproba) light flyweight champion Michael Rodriguez of Gen. Santos City.
It is held in celebration of the Labangal Fiesta in coordination with Labangal Barangay Captain Lorelie Pacquiao, former world-rated Bobby Pacquiao and the Joven Sports Promotion.
Ten other pairs are pitted in the undercard of the free boxing show supported by the Family Country Hotel, Pepsi, Sting, Cerritos Mitsubishi and South Coast Mitsubishi.
They are: Orly Silvestre of MP Davao vs. Michael Camillion of Gamban Stable-Cagayan de Oro (10 rds.-105 lbs.);
Gilbert Gomera of MP Davao vs. John Rey Ponteras of Pinol Stable-Cotabato (10 rds.-118 lbs.);
Lony Cadayday of Golingan Stable-Gensan vs. Joey Antonio of Apolinario Stable-Sarangani (10 rds.-112 lbs.);
Marvilo Aballe of MP Davao vs. Raymun Dayham of Dipolog (8 rds.-118 lbs.); Rene Mark Cuarto of MP Davao vs. Josel Gamalo of Mayor Boy Se Stable-Sindangan (8 rds.-105 lbs.);
Ariel Bienabdez of MP Davao vs. Delfin de Asis of Kaamenio Stable-Valencia City (6 rds.-109 lbs.);
Jose Ravelo Aballe of MP Davao vs. John Rey Lontiong of Placedo Stable-Cotabato (6 rds.-118 lbs.);
Ronnie Baldonado of MP Davao vs. Jon-Jon Santos of Mayor Se Stable (6 rds.-108 lbs.);
Abdul Diu Abdulhami of Eraja Stable-Laguna vs.. Renan Portes of Gensan (6 lbs.-135 lbs.);
Jason Sanchez of MP Davao vs. Mark Martiao of Mayor Se Stable (6 rds.-109 lbs.).
The official weigh-in is set on Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Family Country Homes. ? LITO DELOS REYES
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