Breaking News: Drian Francisco to face.... Guillermo Rigondeaux on December 15th?
By Rich Mazon
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 05 Nov 2012
There was a reason why the 29 year old Pinoy boxer does not have an opponent lined up yet for his November 17th debut in the United States.
It is because the fighter from Mindoro who boasts of an impressive 23-1 record in the ring is being considered as a possible foe for current WBA Super Bantamweight champ, Guillermo Rigondeaux.
Sources with knowledge of the details of the ongoing talks relayed this information to this Philboxing.com scribe over the weekend.
"Zanfer Promotions asked if Drian is interested to fight Rigondeaux on December 15th," the source told this writer.
Francisco was relayed the message last Saturday and the hard working boxer showed interest in the fight. Francisco asked the advice of current trainer, Justin Fortune who trains him for his original fight on November 17th at the L.A. Sports Arena.
Fortune was receptive to the idea and believes his newest pupil can compete with the unbeaten 122 champion in Rigondeaux.
Francisco was originally booked to fight an IBF bantamweight
(118 pounds) eliminator on the undercard of Brian Viloria vs. Tyson Marquez but the boxer himself admits that a climb to 122 would not be a big deal for him.
"We'll wait for them to finalize tomorrow morning (Monday), L.A. time, all the details," the source informed us.
If it happens, Francisco's bout with Rigondeaux will take place as the undercard to fellow Filipino and another Super Bantam champ in Nonito Donaire who is reported to face Mexican Jorge Arce in Houston, Texas on the same date.
It is common knowledge that the unbeaten Rigondeaux has long been aching to fight Donaire. A win for both Rigondeaux and Donaire on that date can set up that match in early 2013.
Unless "The Golden Fist" of the Philippines has something to say about that.
Then all bets are off!
You can reach the author at rrmaze24@aol.com.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rich Mazon .
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