BIG WINS WILL ASSURE FRANCISCO AND FLORES OF WBO TITLE
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 01 Aug 2007
For WBO Asia Pacific flyweight champion Draian Francisco and Intercontnental light flyweight champion Rexon Flores big wins on Saturday against worthy Thai opponents will assure them of world title shots in the future.
That was the assurance given promoter Gabriel “Bebot” Elorde by WBO Asia Pacific head Leon Panoncillo who arrives on Wednesday with Thai challengers Wanmeechok Singwangcha and Sarikalek Eakarin who will try to wreck the Filipinos hopes in an exciting fight card at the Elorde Sports Center on Saturday, August 4.
The stylish, 24 year old southpaw Francisco is undefeated with a record of 12-0 with 9 knockouts and is coming off a fifth round KO of Deeden Sithsaithong last April 22. Francisco who won the title with a seventh round TKO over Pitchitchok Singmanassak last December 30 says he is in tremendous shape and hopes to put on an impressive showing for fight fans.
However, Wanmeechok, who is also a southpaw with a record of 16-5 with 11 knockouts is determined to inflict the first defeat on Francisco. The Thai scored a fourth round KO over Khunpon Soonkilabangken last April 30 and wants to add Francisco’s name to the list of Filipinos he has beaten including Philip Parcon, Sonny Gonzales, Tata Polinar, Dondon Jimenea and Jerry Pahayahay.
Flores who has dropped down from flyweight to light flyweight has a record of 17-3-4 with 9 knockouts and will be making the first defense of the WBO Intercontinental title he won last December 30 with an impressive twelve round unanimous decision over Wisan Sor Suchanya. Flores fought gallantly but dropped a twelve round decision to veteran Argentine WBO flyweight champion Omar Narvaes in a title fight on August 5, 2006 in Argentina.
The tough opponent of Flores is 23 year old Sarikalek Eakarin who has a record of 23-3 with 8 knockouts and boasts of wins over Filipinos Federico Catubay, Arman de la Cruz, Rey Orais and Jojo Rodrigo among others.
The fights sponsored by Tanduay, the No.1 Rhum, Pagcor and PCSO will be telecast over the top-rated weekly boxing show “The Main Event” on Sundays at 4:00 p.m. over RPN 9 and replayed over the popular sports and entertainment cable channel Viva Prime.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
OKC Routs Denver; 149-106, Ties Series; Semis Series in East Remain Topsy-turvy as Boston Goes Down 0-2 With 91-90 Loss to NY
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Thu, 08 May 2025SHAW SENDS A MESSAGE IN HUNT FOR UK OPEN GLORY | 2025 UK OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
Thu, 08 May 2025WBO presents the Amanda Serrano Championships
Thu, 08 May 2025GM Antonio faces tough competition in ASEAN Seniors Chess Championships in Penang, Malaysia
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 08 May 2025Boxing: Entertainment Sport or Sport Entertainment?
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 07 May 2025JIM LAMPLEY'S BOOK TOUR IS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA THIS WEEK!
Wed, 07 May 2025CAPITO IGNITES TITLE DEFENCE IN STYLE | 2025 UK OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
Wed, 07 May 2025Sol Levinson: The Man Whose Gloves Elevated Boxing
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Tue, 06 May 2025Undefeated Cuban Heavyweight Prospect Dainier Pero Finishes Intense Las Vegas Training Camp Ahead of May 9 MVP Main Event on DAZN
Tue, 06 May 2025The Past Week in Action 5 May 2025: Inoue-Cardenas Saves Historic Boxing Weekend; Canelo-Scull Sets New Record for Fewest Punches Thrown
By Eric Armit, Tue, 06 May 2025Sampson Lewkowicz Congratulates Cardenas, Romero and Espinoza and Vows to Make Next Year's Cinco de Mayo Unforgettable, Highlighted by David Benavidez Facing the Winner of Bivol vs. Beterbiev
Tue, 06 May 2025Saving the Best for Last: GSW Upstages Raw Rockets
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 06 May 2025Antonio, Bagamasbad face tough competition in Woman FIDE Master Sheerie Joy Lomibao Open Rapid Chess Tournament on May 18
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 06 May 2025Andres “Savage” Cortes Finishes Strong Training Camp Ahead of Crucial May 10 Clash Against Salvador Jimenez at Pechanga Arena San Diego
Tue, 06 May 2025SALITA PROMOTIONS and ALL THE SMOKE FIGHT PRESENT HALL OF FAME FIGHT NIGHT
Tue, 06 May 2025