DRIAN FRANCISCO SUFFERS HEARTBREAKING LOSS
By Ed de la Vega, DDS
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 13 Jul 2013
CANOGA PARK, CA -- Drian Francisco (24-2-1, 19KO) of Sablayan, Mindoro suffered a huge disappointment in his quest to find the pot of gold in this side of the world.
Francisco started the fight in a very good way winning the first two rounds from the slugger from San Diego, CA, Chris Avalos (22-2-0, 16KO). But as the fight progressed, he simply ran out of gas.
Francisco relied on his wild haymaker swings looking to end the fight at any moment. In fact early on he was successful in landing the left round-house shot and the right upper cut that seems to come from nowhere. In fact, his unusual style seemed to confuse Avalos early on.
Avalos following instructions from his corner, started to adjust in round three and he eventually caught up. By round four, it was all even with advantage towards Avalos. Avalos threw 1043 punches leading to a unanimous decision win (96-94, 97-93, 97-93)
As Avalos started to adjust, Francisco stayed on his track. He never attempted to counter the adjustment Avalos made and he stayed with his pre-planned program predicated on wild counter punches that occasionally landed.
There really was nothing much wrong with staying the course if Francisco was able to handle the pace. In fact it was exactly the awkward style that confused Avalos. But towards the championship rounds he started to lose steam and Avalos sensing this up his tempo thus obviously impressing the judges.
With the heartbreak, it?s back to the drawing board for Francisco. The kid is young and I don?t believe for a moment that he can?t be taught anything new in addition to his present skills.
What is obvious however is that Francisco needs to improve even further in his conditioning and perhaps in his nutrition.
Who ever can help him towards that end should be the one handling him and guiding him for his next fight which hopefully Top Rank will give to him.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ed de la Vega, DDS.
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