Drian goes for broke versus Thai

MANILA, Philippines - Leaving nothing to chance, WBA interim superflyweight champion Drian Francisco will go all out for an early knockout over No. 4 contender Terrapith Singwancha and avoid the complications of getting a raw deal in a scheduled 12-round fight in Phetchaburi province, Thailand, this afternoon.

If he can help it, Francisco won’t let the bout go the distance and risk losing by a hometown decision although his manager Elmer Anuran said WBA executive vice president Gilberto Jesus Mendoza designated neutral judges for the eliminator to determine the next challenger of WBA titleholder Hugo Cazares of Mexico.

Working the fight as the third man in the ring is former US Army boxer Rafael Ramos, a retired sergeant first class who was the referee in the Manny Pacquiao-Joshua Clottey fight at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, last year. Ramos, 54, has done over 300 fights, including about 50 world title matches, all over the globe.

The judges are Venciclav Nikolov of Bulgaria, Francisco Martinez of New Zealand and Raul Caiz Jr. of Los Angeles. It is Nikolov’s first trip to Asia. He is a highly regarded boxing official throughout Europe. Martinez was in Cebu in 2008 to serve as a judge in the Rafael Concepcion-A. J. Banal and Milan Melindo-Carlos Melo bouts. Caiz Jr. is an experienced judge and referee with a long list of world title fight assignments. Last November, he was the referee in Filipino Dennis Laurente’s eight-round win by decision over Manny Pacquiao sparmate Rashad Holloway in Texas.

After the weigh-in at the 13 Coins Hotel in Bangkok yesterday morning, Francisco and his traveling party drove two hours to Phetchaburi where the fight will be held. Both Francisco and Tepparith checked in at 115 pounds, the superflyweight limit.

“I offer this fight to my family and all Filipinos, especially the workers – Happy Labor Day,” said Francisco.

“For me, the assigned officials are okay,” said Anuran. “We’re glad to fight in enemy territory having neutral officials, thanks to the WBA.” Anuran had appealed to Mendoza for the referee and judges to come from neutral countries. Mendoza also assured Anuran that if Francisco wins, he will be next in line to challenge Cazares. And if Cazares refuses to fight Francisco, the Filipino will be automatically declared the new WBA champion.

Anuran said he’s prepared to make a purse bid for Cazares to face Francisco in Manila in July. Cazares has fought thrice in Japan, drawing once and winning twice, so he’s not averse to battling in Asia. It was rumored that Cazares may relinquish the superflyweight title to challenge WBA bantamweight champion Koki Kameda of Japan. Kameda has supposedly rejected Cazares’ bid, leaving the Mexican stranded in the superflyweight division.

Despite the presence of neutral officials in Phetchaburi, Anuran said it won’t mean Francisco sliding into a comfort zone. With a crack at Cazares’ crown just around the corner, Francisco said losing isn’t an option and he’ll try to dispose of Terrapith as soon as possible.

Francisco, known as “Gintong Kamao,” is unbeaten in his pro career with a 20-0-1 record, including 16 KOs. He has knocked out all of his six Thai opponents so far, including Duangpetch Kokiet Gym in Nong Khai last November. The Kokiet Gym fight was Francisco’s first overseas outing. He stopped the Thai in the 10th round. Francisco said he’ll try to dispatch Terrapith earlier. Terrapith, not to be outdone, has beaten all his eight Filipino opponents, including Along Dinoy, Rey Migreno, Apol Suico and Rodel Tajares. His record is 15-2, with 10 KOs. The two losses were to Thais early in his career.

Anuran said the Thai organizers are hoping for a Terrapith victory to celebrate Labor Day. Francisco was enticed to return to Thailand by an offer of a $140,000 purse, the biggest in his career.

“Drian is well-known in Thailand and the promoters want a big fight for May 1,” said Anuran. “We’re confident. We were ready to fight a tune-up in Manila on April 9 then the Thai offer came.”

Francisco said his goal is to win a world title before the year ends. If he disposes of Terrapith, Francisco will get his chance to bag the WBA crown within his set time frame. Anuran said there’s no way Francisco will lose to Terrapith.

The fight will be shown at 1:30 p.m. today on Solar Sports TV.