By Rey Danseco
A little known, but tough Australian will try to become the first man on the planet to beat WBO Asia Pacific flyweight champion Drian “Little Espinosa” Francisco on March 29.
Top Filipino promoter Gabriel “Bebot” Elorde Jr. agreed to let former boxer turned matchmaker, Jeff Malcolm, secure former Queensland State super bantamweight champion and current OPBF super flyweight contender Matt Meredith to face Francisco.
Elorde set the fight for 10-rounds in the main event of his card. The bout will considered as test for the 25-year old native of Mindoro Occidental before putting his title on the line against Wisan Sor Suchanya of Thailand on May 24.
Meredith, who trains under Bernie MacFadden in Global Gym in his hometown Brisbane, is a year older than Francisco. They are both stands 5-foot-5 and aggressive orthodox punchers.
Francisco, who has a record of 14-0 with 11 knockouts, is currently ranked third in the world under WBO flyweight champion Omar Narvaez of Argentina.
Francisco should headlines the May 8 card at SM Mall of Asia as tribute to former Sen. Ramon Revilla’s 81th birthday. But due to lack of sponsors, promoter Jun Sarreal opted to cancel the event.