FRANCISCO SHOWS HE HAS THE WILL
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 24 Sep 2011
Drian ?Golden Fist? Francisco dispelled fears about his strength of mind in a highly touted test against veteran Michael Domingo and proved he had the will to win, erasing even his manager Elmer Anuran?s doubts about the former world title contender.
In a ten round bout that was a battle of tactics more than skill, Francisco?s awkward style proved troublesome for Domingo who allowed the former WBA super flyweight interim champion to take the early rounds which eventually helped him win a unanimous points decision.
All three judges scored the bout for Francisco with two judges turning in 96-93 scorecards and the third judge a closer 95-94 in the fight card promoted by Solar Sports and Anuran's "Saved by the Bell" promotions.
Domingo who had belittled Francisco?s power in a pre-fight interview finally realized that the world rated fighter could punch as he was shaken in the fifth round after Domingo himself connected with a couple of solid shots in the previous round.
Domingo who is a slow starter tried to pick up the tempo in the last few rounds but Francisco answered by opening up a cut on Domingo?s left eyebrow in the eighth round.
The win helped Francisco recover from the loss of his interim world title to Thailand?s Tepparith Singwancha last May 1 in a close bout at least on the scorecards of judges Raul Caiz Jr and Francisco Martinez who scored the fight for the Thai 114-113 compared to Takeshi Shimakawa of Japan who had Tepparith the winner by a wide 117-111 margin.
Francisco who is currently ranked No. 4 in the world by the WBA is expected to move up in the rankings following the win on Saturday at the Makati City Coliseum.
ALA Promotions vice president Dennis Canete admitted ?Talo talaga. We really lost because Francisco was more active while Domingo was too tight and only threw one punch at a time. He had a hard time with Francisco?s style.?
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Boxlab Promotions Euri Cedeno and Carlos De Leon Castro Shine in San Juan Victories
Wed, 04 Feb 2026National Boxing Hall of Fame 2026 is set to April 26 in Montebello, California
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Vito Mielnicki Jr. Returns Home to Defend WBC USA, IBF USBA and WBO Global Middleweight Championships Against Omar Ulises Huerta
Wed, 04 Feb 2026Noah Lucas Palcis sees action in Bangkok chess meet
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Reymond Yanong Edges Out Hayato Ono for Split Decision Win in Japan
By Carlos Costa, Tue, 03 Feb 2026“I’m gonna smoke whoever is in front of me, Anthony Wright- Hearn makes his pro debut March 13 at Thunderdome 53
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Pacman's Cue Club Hosts J&P 10 Ball Cup from Feb. 4 to 7
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 03 Feb 2026Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge is back
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 03 Feb 2026WILDER AND CHISORA FACE OFF IN ICONIC TIMES SQUARE TO ANNOUNCE APRIL 4 HEAVYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN AT THE O2 LONDON
Tue, 03 Feb 2026World Boxing appoints Tom Dielen as new Secretary General
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Sullivan Management signs 19-1 power-punching Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Another Grandeza in MMA is coming
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 03 Feb 2026Gracie meets Zubiri in PH
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 02 Feb 2026International Master Eric Labog Jr. rules FIDE rapid chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 02 Feb 202676ers star Paul George has been suspended for 25 NBA games by doping
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 01 Feb 2026