By Benjie Varella – Manila, Philippines- FILIPINO boxing prospect Drian “The Man” Francisco, the reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia-Pacific Flyweight Champion is set to slug it out with Rafael “El Torito” Concepcion of Panama for the World Boxing Association (WBA) International Superflyweight Championship scheduled on July 26 at the Cuneta Astrodome, Pasay City, Philippines.
Tagged as “Banal na Paghihiganti” (“Holy Revenge” as translated in English), the Cuneta Astrodome is expected to be jammed-packed come fight day by Filipino boxing fans who are hoping that Francisco would avenge the only loss suffered by hard hitting compatriot, world rated AJ “Bazooka” Banal..
Banal suffered a 10th round TKO from the hands of Concepcion July 26 last year. Ironically, the fight between Francisco and Concepcion would fall also on the 26th of July.
The fight between Francisco, a southpaw who has 16 wins, 12 by knockouts and a draw and Concepcion who has 13 wins and 3 losses will serve as an eliminator to face the WBA Superflyweight Champion Vic Darchinyan at the end of the year.
El Torito’s match last February this year in Brooklyn, New York was victorious which he won by a unanimous decision, while The Man won a second round TKO at the Famous Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Philippines.
Meanwhile, Banal (18-1-1 15ko’s) landed a place on the undercard of the mega-fight between Juan Manuel Marquez and Floyd Mayweather Jr after annihilating highly-touted “African Golden Boy” Mbwana Matumla (18-4) last Saturday at the Cebu Coliseum.
The fight was stopped at the second round (2:59) when Matumla couldn’t beat the count after receiving a solid left hook followed by a right uppercut from Banal.
A foe for Banal for the Marquez-Mayweather July 18 bout has yet to be announced this month. He is set to leave for Los Angeles this week to prepare for his trainings.