PHILBOXING EXCLUSIVE: DRIAN FRANCISCCO: FROM LA TO NEW YORK?
By Rich Mazon
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 19 Nov 2012
After a superb performance in the ring last night in Los Angeles, Drian ?Gintong Kamao? Francisco and a commentating debut for GMA network of the Philippines, things are looking bright for the Filipino boxer.
How bright? As bright as the New York skyline at night!
Francisco who knocked out a game and tough Javier Gallo in 5 rounds of their scheduled eight-rounder was offered to fight in no less than the Mecca of boxing itself, The Madison Square Garden in New York as part of the proposed Orlando Salido versus Mikey Garcia event for January 19th next year.
This was relayed to this Philboxing.com by Francisco?s manager, Elmer Anuran who was with his ward in Los Angeles last night. The youthful boxing manager sat with Mexican co-promoter Zanfer Promotions and discussed upcoming plans for Francisco.
?They (Zanfer) will be putting Drian this January 19, 2013 on the undercard of Salido-Garcia in New York. They will work it out with HBO to include Drian on the TV card for him to be formally recognized,? Anuran told this writer.
?They (Zanfer) said, we need to build up another U.S. exposure right away for Drian until we see if he is ready to get a title,? added Anuran.
Anuran talked to Francisco and his trainer, Justin Fortune about this and both fighter and trainer agreed to take the January 19 fight.
Francisco according to Anuran will go back to the Philippines first this Tuesday to see his family that he has not seen for two months and then return to the United States to train in Fortune?s gym in Los Angeles the soonest possible time.
?I already talked to Drian that he needs to sacrifice Christmas celebration with his family. This is something big for him to establish his name in the U.S,? said Anuran.
?Uuwi lang ako ng Pilipinas, mga two weeks lang ako. Kasi nag-usap kami ni Justin kung kelan ako babalik. Sabi niya as soon as possible, bumalik ka para sa preparation ng laban natin.? (I will just go home to the Philippines, maybe for two weeks only. I talked to Justine and asked him when I can return to train. He told me to return as sson as possible so we can prepare appropriately,? Francisco told this writer over the phone as he was doing some Christmas shopping for his family in downtown L.A. a day after his fight.
?Gusto ko rin bumalik agad kasi nakaraan nga di ba, medyo nabitin tayo sa ensayo. Kaya gusto ko makabalik agad.? (I want to return to train here right away, unlike my last fight where my training was interrupted. I want to return right away.) the boxer told me.
?Pero mag-eensayo pa rin ako pagbalik ng Pilipinas para ready na ang katawan ko pagbalik ko ditto.? (But I will also train in the Philippines when I get there so my body is ready when I return here in the States.) added Francisco.
Drian Francisco is upbeat about the proposed fight, but admitted that he is more excited that he can finally see his kids and his wife who is six months pregnant with their third child who he has not seen since September.
?Oo excited ako.. sa paguwi.? (Yes I am excited..to go home!)Francisco laughingly admitted. ?Excited na ako umuwi, Iyung laban naman nandiyan lang iyun. Gusto ko na makita ang pamilya ko muna.? (I am excited to go back home, that fight will be there anyway. I just want to see my family already.) Francisco said.
For Drian Francisco, New York and The Mecca of Boxing are in his sights. But for now, he is eyeing to spend time with his family first.
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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