LONSDALE OF LONDON SPONSORS FLORES, FRANCISCO
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 25 Jul 2007
Lonsdale execs at Tuesday's presscon.
MANILA, PHILIPPINES -- WORLD BOXING ORGANIZATION (WBO) Inter-Continental light flyweight champion Rexon Flores (17-3, 9 KOs) and WBO Asia Pacific flyweight champion Drian Francisco (12-0, 9 KOs) will be the first Asian fighters to use a clothing and boxing equipments that have been worn by many famous boxing champions.
Lonsdale, clothing and boxing equipments company founded in London, England in 1960, has assured two of the country's prospects to have their support in their bid to defend their respective crowns and then become the country's next world champions.
Flores, known as "Pison" and Francisco, nicknamed "Little Espinosa", will put their titles on the line against Thai challengers from the famous Bangkok-based Kokiet Boxing Stable on Aug. 4 at Elorde Sports Center in Sucat, Paranaque City.
The country's top boxing promoter and president of Elorde International Production, Gabriel "Bebot" Elorde Jr. and Lonsdale's Managing Director Sasi Kumar Pillai and regional business manager Ben Gardener, who came all the way from London, signed a tie up contract along with Flores and Francisco in a press conference Tuesday at Elorde Boxing Gym at Anson's Auto Center in Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City.
"Malaking tulong ang Lonsdale sa pangarap naming maging world champion," said Francisco, now rated No. 5 by the WBO.
"First time namin na magkakaroon ng sponsor ng mula sapatos, fighting trunks hanggang gloves kaya motivation namin ito para mas pagbutihing masiguro ang panalo," said Flores, who is ranked No. 2.
Lonsdale articles have been worn by many famous boxers, including Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Henry Cooper and Lennox Lewis. And Flores and Francisco will be the first Asian fighters to be outfitted by Lonsdale.
If victorious, Flores wants to fight WBO flyweight champ Hugo Cazares of Mexico while Francisco eyes WBO flyweight champ Omar Narvaez of Argentina. Their world title fights may be set before the end of the year.
The company is named after Hugh Cecil Lowther, fifth Earl of Lonsdale, who organised boxing matches in 1909 and who was president of the National Sporting Club of Britain.
After the contract signing before selected mediamen and television network, Flores and Francisco displayed their prowess in separate two-round sparring sessions against separate partners, Keward Minoza and Sylvester Lopez. Flores and Francisco said they are 90 percent ready for the bouts and will be at their peak prior to the separate 12-round title defenses.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Weights From ProBoxTV’s ‘Vazquez vs. Machuca’ at College Park Center in the University of Texas
Fri, 27 Feb 2026Ethan Matthew Gabriel tops Boscolympics 2026 Grade School chess meet
Fri, 27 Feb 2026Boxing Legend & Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr. Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
Fri, 27 Feb 2026IM Christian Gian Karlo Tade - Arca outwits GM Pa Iniyan in Round 6 of the Manny Pacquiao International Open chess
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 26 Feb 2026San Francisco Boxing Leaders Bring It Back: FIGHT NIGHT AT ROCCAPULCO
Thu, 26 Feb 2026Alyssa Mendoza, Salim Ellis-Bey and Kelvin Watts Secure Wins on Day Three of 2026 Strandja Boxing Tournament
Thu, 26 Feb 2026Herlan Gomez faces Dekang Wang for WBA Asia Superbamtam Title Today in Kunming, China
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 26 Feb 2026Queensberry Promotions to sue SELA and TKO?
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 26 Feb 2026IBA President Umar Kremlev promises prize money for boxers at LA 2028 if the IOC doesn’t change their policy towards athletes’ rewards
Thu, 26 Feb 2026Ruben Castillo, The uncrowned champion passes away
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 26 Feb 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Return of Ryan Garcia
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Wed, 25 Feb 2026“It’s moments a kid dreams off.” Sam Rennie returns for title challenge March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
Wed, 25 Feb 2026‘It’s going to be a great fight and most importantly looking forward to the 10 pints together after it’ Billy Quinncroft challenges for Cruiserweight title March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
Wed, 25 Feb 2026Magdalena Contreras Municipality and WBC start "Boxing for Peace" in Mexico
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 25 Feb 2026United States Captures Four More Wins on Day Two of Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament
Wed, 25 Feb 2026