Drian Francisco to Defend his WBA Title in Thailand Sunday (Presscon Photos)
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 28 Apr 2011
BANGKOK, Thailand - The dream of undefeated Filipino super flyweight Drian Francisco (20-0-1, 16 KOs) is one day getting in the ring to face Mexican warrior WBA super flyweight world champion Hugo "El Increible" Cazares (34-6-2, 24 KO's) of Los Mochis, Sinaloa. But before that, Francisco will have to first successfully defend his WBA interim super flyweight title against glory hungry 23-years-old Thai challenger Tepparith Singwancha (15-2, 10KOs) in Petchaburi, Thailand this Sunday May 1st.
This will be the second consecutive fight of Francisco in The Kingdom of Thailand as last November the Agoncillo fighter defeated Thai Duangpetch Kokietgym (52-2-1, 21KO's) in the northern city of Nong Khai, to earn his WBA interim title. Prior to that title win, Drian Francisco defeated highly regarded Panamanian fighters two-divisions world champion Roberto "La Arana" Vasquez and WBA Inter-Continental super flyweight champ Ricardo "El Matematico" Nunez.
For Teeparith Singwancha, a former Muay Thai fighter and current PABA flyweight champion, this will be his first battle as a super flyweight, but he has confidence that he can pull the huge victory. "I want to win. I can not let down my manager (Mr. Naris Singwancha), I must win. It's a matter of honor," said the Thai fighter during the presscon at the 13 Coins Hotel Wednesday in downtown Bangkok.
Top photo: Teeparith (L) and Francisco with his WBA belt during Wednesday's presscon.
Press conference participants.
L-R: Promoter Mr. Kokiet Panichayarom, president of Kokiet Group, fighter Teeparith Singwancha of Thailand, Mr. Alangkorn Ponlaboot, deputy Minister of Commerce of Thailand, Drian Francisco of Batangas, Promoter Mr. Naris Singwancha, and beautiful Thai models!
L-R: Diomedes Francisco, father of Drian; conditioning coach Mr. Jovi ; WBA interim champion Drian Francisco; boxing promoter Naris Singwancha of Thailand, international matchmaker Brico Santig; Mr. Benny de la Pena, Francisco's head trainer.
However, Filipino minumumweight boxer Michael Rodriguez (12-28, 3KO's), who fought 12 rounds with Teeparith just last February shared "this fight is easy for Drian. He (Teeparith) fights as if boxing is Muay Thai style. I felt that he is not so strong, gets tired in the final rounds, and do not know how to hit with his knuckles. Power comes from knuckles. That is why in 12 rounds he could never hurt me."
In contrast, Brico Santig of the Philippines, matchmaker of this title fight was more cautious. "Thepparith Singwancha has a good record, looked strong and confident today during the presscon. Besides, Thais are always dangerous boxers. I know that it will be an exciting fight," shared the 36-years old Santig, who used to be a fighter of the Filipino Muay Thai national team.
This fight will take place in the paradise-like, tourist seaside province of Phetchaburi in Thailand, and is organized by the prestigious Kokiet Group Promotions in association with Naris Singwancha.
Kokiet Group's Vice President Mr. Nicolas Omatihkul confirmed that the preliminary fights in the card will all be international martial art combats in Muay Thai.
Drian Friancisco vs Teeparith Singwancha will be broacast live in Thailand on Channel 9. In the Philippines will be seen on Solar Sports at 1pm.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
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