MAYOR LIM WELCOMES DRIAN FRANCISCO/Ronnie Nathanielsz
Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim has welcomed newly crowned World Boxing Association (WBA) International Super Flyweight Champion Drian “Gintong Kamao” Francisco at his office Tuesday morning.
The undefeated Francisco won by a 10th round stoppage against former Panamanian world champion Roberto “La Araña” Vasquez last October 3 at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay to win the title in a fight card telecast by Solar Sports.
A two-time world champion Vasquez was never knocked out in h is career. However, he had to shed two pounds at the official weigh in and reportedly ballooned by 22 pounds at fight time and looked sluggish.
Francisco who had previously been matched against mediocre opponents proved his potential in the fight against Vasquez although his showboating was not appreciated by fight fans. Francisco finished a college degree in Commerce in his hometown in Mindoro.
A known lover of boxing, Mayor Lim advised Francisco to “train harder and stay away from vices in order to succeed more and become a world champion”. Lim, who always gives recognition to athletes who excel in their respective sports gave Francisco an unknown amount as a cash incentive.
Lim had an interesting conversation with the champion especially when they talked about boxers like the former Panamanian and world champion Roberto “Hands of Stone” Duran, Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins and the ring sensation and current pound for pound king Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao.
Francisco was accompanied in his call on Lim by “ Saved by the Bell” chief executive officer Elmer Anuran, consultant Mariding Mercader and director Louie Palicpic.
According to Anuran, Francisco is scheduled to fight next year against South African Simphiwe “Golden Master” Nongqayi, the International Boxing Federation Jr. Bantamweight Champion who won the title against Mexican Jorge Arce on September 15, 2009.
