Drian Francisco Eyes Possible Title Shot

By Rey Danseco

HARD-HITTING WBO Asia Pacific flyweight champion Drian “Little Espinosa” Francisco (14-0, 11KOs) knows he is two-fights away from getting a crack at a world title. He doesn’t want to waste it Saturday night when he takes on veteran Jun Eraham in Paranaque City in Metro Manila.

Francisco risks his reputation and opportunities, including his unbleamish record in scheduled 10-round collision at a limit of 114 pounds in the main event of the Elorde Boxing Tour this summer at The Grand Flash Ballroom of Elorde Sports Center in Sucat.

“My situation there is nothing to gain and everything to lose. He’s a veteran and I expect a hard fight,” said Francisco, who enjoys a two-inch height advantage.

The 5-foot-5 Franciscotipped the scale at the contracted limit of 114-pound, while the Eraham submitted 113 ½ pounds in the official weigh in at the Games and Amusement Board office in Makati City yesterday.

The champion fighter of former two-time world flyweight titlist Erbito Salavarria claimed he has the physiological advantage against Eraham because he stopped eight of his last nine opponents. He also managed to toy around with the Manila-based RP rated fighter in their past sparring sessions.

“I know how to beat him. My only concern, he is small but durable with a big punch,” said Francisco, whose knocked out 11 foes inside seven rounds. “The fight maybe goes in a distance but I will find a way to stop him.”

Eraham sees the fight as opportunity to get a world ranking, knowing Francisco is rated No. 3 in the world.

Should Francisco meet the expectation, he will make his second title defense in May and hopes to get a shot against WBO flyweight champion Omar Narvaez of Argentina later this year.

There are 11 pairs of bouts in the undercard installed by Elorde International Productions. First bell rings around 6pm.