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Filipino superfly contender eyes upset vs Vasquez

By Dennis Gasgonia, abs-cbnNEWS.com | 09/29/2009 11:44 PM

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MANILA -- Undefeated Filipino super flyweight Drian Francisco is banking on his abilities to score an “upset” against a more experienced Roberto "La Arana" Vasquez of Panama when they face at the Cuneta Astrodome this coming Saturday.

“Mabigat ang kalaban kasi ekspiryensyado,” said Francisco, who goes by the moniker “Gintong Kamao” (Golden Fist).

The unbeaten Francisco (17-0-1, 13 knockouts) said during Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association forum at Shakey’s UN Avenue Branch in Manila that his team has devised a strategy to counter Vasquez’s vaunted right hand.

“Ang sa style niya ang malakas sa kanya ay ‘yong kanan. Nagco-convert din siya minsan sa kaliwa at sa kanan,” he said of Vasquez, who has already compiled 27 wins (20 KOs) and 3 losses.

Vasquez is the World Boxing Association (WBA) interim flyweight champion. He is climbing to super flyweight to face Francicso.

“Counter puncher-body puncher ako,” said Francisco. “Puwede akong sumugod, puwede akong umatras, pero mas magaling ako kapag-sumugod.”

A win against Vasquez will give Francisco a shot for a world title.

“’Pag nanalo ako dito world championship na ang nakalaan sa akin para sa sunod na laban,” he said.

When asked about the possibility of facing WBA interim super flyweight champ Nonito Donaire Jr., Francisco said he is just prepared for any eventuality.

“Ako naman kasi kahit sino kalaban ko. Kung Pilipino, ayaw kong magkabanggaan kami. Pero kung hiningingi ng pagkakataon, handa ako. Wala akong uurungan,” he said.