By Rey Danseco
THE fight for the vacant WBA International super flyweight title between Filipino Drian “Gintong Kamao” Francisco and Panamanian Roberto “The Spider” Vasquez has been pushed up a week in the Philippines.
From Sept. 26, Elmer Anuran, CEO of Saved By the Bell Boxing Promotions announced the fight will now take place on Oct. 3 at the original choice venue, Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
“The City Hall has asked me for a favor, that's why we give way to an anniversary celebration on that date at the Cuneta Astrodome,” said Anuran.
The Panama-based WBA approved the changes for the fight, as well as Vasquez, a former two-time world champion.
Anuran will have luxury of time to think about who to place on the undercard. He plans to have 11 bouts in the undercard with a total round count of around 90 to 100.
Francisco, a native of Sablayan in Occidental Mindoro, is tagged as the underdog despite his number five ranking being higher than Vasquez’s number seven position.
Francisco has unblemished record of 17 wins, no loss and a draw with 13 coming by way of KO.
Vasquez, who took the WBA light flyweight and flyweight titles in the last four years, has a menacing record of 27-3, 20 knockouts.
The protagonists are both 26 years old, though Francisco turns another year on Nov. 10.
Francisco title shot was first set for July 26 and then Sept. 6 until it was postponed to Sept. 26.
“This is the final date. We already informed the WBA and Vasquez and they gave their nod,” said Anuran.