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.
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