Francisco sees foe easy prey

MANILA, Philippines - During yesterday’s press conference at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Ortigas, undefeated Filipino boxer Drian Francisco found a perfect chance to size up his younger opponent from Panama.

He liked what he saw.

“Kayang-kaya (No sweat),” Francisco declared as Ricardo Nuñez and his handlers walked past him.

It was the first time Francisco had seen Nuñez in person. He said the Panamanian looked tough, but just the same the rising star from Mindoro is looking to end the fight within six rounds.

After all, Nuñez has never gone past six rounds in his career.

“Marunong naman ako tumingin (I know how to look at things). Hindi ko papayagang matalo ako dito (I won’t allow myself to lose here),” added Francisco, at 27 five years older than Nuñez.

Undefeated in 18 fights, Francisco is determined to get past Nuñez for a crack at the world title, either the WBA crown being held by Japan’s Nobuo Nashira or the WBC title of Vic Darchinyan.

But he said he’d rather focus on Nuñez, who has 18 wins with 15 knockouts against a single loss as a professional. In the amateurs, Nuñez lost only twice in 120 fights.

“Magaling din naman (He’s also good),” added Francisco, who said that based on the tapes of Nuñez’ previous fights, he may have the advantage in speed when they square off on Saturday.

The fight dubbed “Young Guns” will take place at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig. Presented by Solar Sports, it serves as a WBC superflyweight eliminator.

But there’s something more at stake as Nuñez’ backer from Panama – Carlos Costa – announced at the presidential table that he’s putting a thousand dollars on Nuñez, against anyone who’s interested.

Francisco’s manager, Elmer Anuran, promptly called the bet, and the two gentlemen rose from their seats and shook hands at the center of the stage. The side bet is on for $1,000 or the equivalent of nearly P45,000.

Francisco said he sparred 200 rounds to get in shape, and wouldn’t mind going the distance just in case he fails to put Nuñez, at 5’ 4” just an inch shorter than the Filipino, out in the scheduled 12-rounder.

But first he needs to get Nuñez up in the ring because yesterday there was some discussion regarding the fight purse. The Panamanian demanded that he be paid half of his purse during tomorrow’s weigh-in, and the rest before he climbs the ring.

The promoters refused to give in. In the end, both camps agreed that the 50 percent balance would be held by the Games and Amusements Board, and be given to Nuñez right after fight, inside his dressing room.

Back to the fight, Nuñez, through Costa, said he’s going for the knockout as well.

“Somebody has to win and we’re gonna win by knockout. Will it last the distance? It depends on him (Francisco) and how the fight develops. If I see the chance to make him sleep I will do that. But if I have to fight twelve rounds, I’m ready,” he said.

“I seldom bet, but when I’m very sure of the outcome, I do,” said Costa, a frequent flier to Manila.