Make or Break

This can be considered a sequel to my previous blog on my erstwhile boxing idol, Diomedes “Joe” Francisco of Brgy. Batasan, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. His father.

It’s going be a red-letter day for boxing fans all over the country. We, people of Occidental Mindoro, must join our hands in praying and supporting this homegrown talent of ours. Yes, our very own Drian “Gintong Kamao (Golden Fist)” Francisco, the pride of Buenavista, Sablayan; the reigning WBO Asia-Pacific Flyweight Champion is going to face Rafael “El Torito” Concepcion of Panama for the WBA International Super Flyweight Championship at Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

The very much anticipated bout tagged as “Banal na Paghihiganti” (“Holy Revenge”), the venue is expected to be jam-packed. This is a make or break for Francisco. This fight is considered as Francisco's ticket to international fame, or at least recognition. The Filipino fans are also hoping that he would avenge the only loss suffered by his compatriot AJ “Bazooka” Banal. That is why it was dubbed as such. Banal suffered a heart-breaking loss, a 10th round TKO, to Concepcion last July 26, 2008 and the Francisco-Concepcion Duel would also fall 26th of July. Again, remember the date,- July, 26, 2009.

You may click here for additional story about Drian Francisco and his father Joe from Philboxing.com.

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 Super Flyweight Champion Vic Darchinyan at the end of the year.

Like Manny Pacquiao, May Drian Francisco unite our politicians and all the Occidental Mindoro people even only on that particular day. And to paraphrase Homer, “It (revenge) is sweeter far than flowing honey.”

Go, Drian, Go! ...