Drian Francisco, Rexon Flores Bouts Postponed

By Rey Danseco

The title defenses of two Filipino world title prospects, Drian “Little Espinosa” Francisco and Rexon “Pison” Flores, scheduled for next month against Thai challengers, has been cancelled until the second quarter of the year.

Promoter Jun Sarreal had difficulty in collecting financial supports from his prospective sponsors, forcing him to inform his nephew and Francisco and Flores's promoter, Gabriel "Bebot" Elorde Jr, about the cancellation of the planned March 8 card at SM Mall of Asia.

Elorde immediately notified Filipino-American Leon Panoncillo, the WBO Vice President for Asia Pacific, about the development before the latter left Manila for Bangkok Monday night (Sunday morning in the US).

Elorde assured Francisco and Flores, who is world rated No. 3 and No. 2 by WBO, of setting them up in separate non-title fights against fellow Filipino foes. He tentatively set his promotions on March 29, four days after the birth anniversary of his father, the late world super featherweight champ Gabriel “Flash” Elorde.

On their title defenses, Panoncillo wants the status quo of the fight contracts when Elorde put up his planned boxing installations on or before May 24.

The undefeated Francisco (14-0-1, 11 knockouts) puts his WBO Asia Pacific flyweight title on the line against Wisan Sor Suchanya while Flores (18-3-4, 9 knockouts) risks his WBO Inter-Continental light flyweight crown to Samransak Singmanassak.

About a million pesos is needed to stage the double championships and several bouts in the undercard, according to Elorde.

Francisco and Flores, both 25-years-old, took the crowns on Dec. 30, 2006 and defended it on Aug. 4, 2007, both times in Manila, against Thai imports on Elorde's cards.