DRIAN FRANCISCO AND THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM
By Ed de la Vega, DDS
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 21 Nov 2015
LAS VEGAS ? Drian Francisco was once a fighter on the ?watch? list of many boxing fans particularly those from Mindoro and Batangas. He was a late-bloomer, but was fun to watch particularly his ?different style? of fighting. Pundits like to refer that style as ?unorthodox?. He has an open stance and his defense was well, different.
But it was that style and his power that carried him almost to the top.
I vividly remember his fight against an old geezer in Javier Gallo at the LA Sports Arena back in November 2012. Francisco was elusive and he fought smart. Eventually, he stopped the Mexican in round 5 of a scheduled 8 rounder.
Eight months later, he was matched against Chris Avalos at the Texas Station in Las Vegas. Francisco run out of gas and was a pathetic sight to see hanging on the ropes after the fight ended. To his credit however, he lasted the whole 10 rounds.
Going back home to recoup, he scored three successive wins until he run into a guy named Jason Canoy in GenSan. Francisco was down three times and was stopped in the very first round..
When folks heard about his matchup against a wily ex-Cuban Olympian who gave 15 fighters nightmares in the ring, including our own Nonito Donaire, their gut reaction was - why are they feeding him to the lions?
Indeed Guillermo Rigondeaux is a lion. And, yes Francisco is being fed to him. And, yes his chances are slim and none. Only a well placed punch on the lion?s chin will get him a win. That is, if he lands it. Francisco?s possible victory also depends on how prepared he is for the fight. More importantly, how prepared is his ?Team? to help him succeed.
We hear from very reliable sources, that Francisco himself is ready. More importantly, he knows what he is up against. But his Team may not be. I hear they don't have a reliable and experienced cut-man. And, the Team does not have proper medications and equipment to use in case a cut happens. But I am sure, they will fix that deficiency come tomorrow evening. They have to or Francisco will be in deeper trouble more than what he already is in.
Given that, win or lose, I hope Francisco gets paid well and that he will not be short-changed by anyone. After all, the guy is a nice person although sometimes, he is ill?advised.
Today at the weigh-in Francisco did not have a problem hitting the contracted weight. And, at the face?off he didn?t look intimidated.
If only he can land that ?hail Mary? punch and live that impossible dream.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ed de la Vega, DDS.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Ennis vs Stanionis: Jaron Laces Up His Boots for a Battle in Atlantic City
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 12 Apr 2025Ennis and Stanionis Hit the Scales Ahead of Saturday's Welterweight Title Clash
Sat, 12 Apr 2025Full Fight Card Announced for Sanman Boxing Show Featuring Marlon Tapales on April 27
Sat, 12 Apr 2025TONIGHTS Roy Jones Jr Card Weighin Results
Sat, 12 Apr 20252025 PHILRACOM ROAD TO TRIPLE CROWN
Sat, 12 Apr 2025Haven for Pinoy boxers
By Joaquin Henson, Fri, 11 Apr 2025WEIGHTS FROM FISTS OF FURY 6 AT SEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO HOLLYWOOD, IN HOLLYWOOD, FLORIDA
Fri, 11 Apr 2025Golden State Warriors Shoot Selves on Foot, Lose to Wembanyama-less Spurs, 114-111
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 11 Apr 2025IIEE-PSME Quezon City wins three in a row in PCAP All-Filipino Cup
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 11 Apr 2025FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES FOR BOOTS VS. STANIONIS IN ATLANTIC CITY
Fri, 11 Apr 2025Ramon Cardenas: “Undisputed Is The Ultimate Prize”
Fri, 11 Apr 2025Marco “El Tiburón” Romero returns to Denver this Saturday for another Rocky Mountain High
Fri, 11 Apr 2025Canadian super lightweight prospect Eric Basran Ready to make a statement competing in inaugural Riyadh Season/WBC Boxing Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia
Fri, 11 Apr 2025HALL OF FAME FLIES FLAGS AT HALF-STAFF FOR TRAINER KENNY ADAMS
Fri, 11 Apr 2025SALITA PROMOTIONS SIGNS REIGNING WBC SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION FRANCHÓN CREWS-DEZURN TO A MULTI-FIGHT DEAL
Fri, 11 Apr 2025