Drian Francisco returns to the ring (Photo : Jhay Oh Otamias)
Make no mistake about it, when former world title challenger Drian "Gintong Kamao" Francisco (28-3-1, 22KO's) faces WBA and WBO bantamweight champion Guillermo "El Chacal" Rigondeaux (15-0, 10 KO's) on the undercard of Cotto-Alvarez this November 21 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, it will be a mismatch of epic proportions.
Francisco, 33, has not fought anybody even near the level of Rigondeaux, and while the Cuban has just 15 professional fights on his resume compared to Francisco's 32, it's Rigondeaux's amateur pedigree that will spell the difference.
Rigondeaux is the sport's best pure boxer, even better than Floyd Mayweather himself. This man has embodied what it means to 'hit and not get hit'. He rarely takes any risks, and when he does, it's always well thought out, well calculated. He is also sometimes chastised for being 'too safe.'
We can't fault Rigondeaux however, it is what has brought him 15 victories in his career, including wins over Robert Marroquin, Joseph Agbeko and the once highly-regarded Nonito Donaire. Rigondeaux has decimated each and every one that was put in front of him, and in each fight, he did so with ease.
The only way Francisco will have a chance at this is if he pulls a Maidana and goes crazy with his attacks, drawing Rigondeaux into a firefight. It's his best bet at an upset.
The fight is a ten-rounder, and will not be for Rigondeaux's 122-pound belts. This is a non-title fight for whatever reason but it's one that Francisco has to take. Unfortunately, opportunities like this rarely ever come for fighters like Francisco, who are off the radar and virtually an unknown name.
Francisco's best victories have come against meager opposition, but in his prime, Francisco was a force to be reckoned with. It's not too late to turn things around however.
Rigondeaux hasn't fought in almost a year, with his last time out being a stoppage win over Hisashi Amagasa in Japan. You would think that after beating Donaire, Rigondeaux's career would have skyrocketed but the exact opposite happened. No one wanted to get in the ring with him, else risk an almost guaranteed loss on the record.
The few fighters who have stepped up for the challenge have all fallen short.
Francisco's best bet is to catch Rigondeaux early when he has yet to shake off the ring rust, smother him with an all-out attack and drag him into a brawl. Francisco, known for being an 'awkward' fighter, must try his best to confuse and bewilder the more intelligent Rigondeaux, however daunting of a task that might be.
The speed, power and technique edge all go to Rigondeaux with professional experience the only thing riding for Francisco, but this is a fight and in a fight, anything can happen.
Nevertheless, this is a great addition to what should be an amazing night of fights.
