Drian Francisco is confident of victory over Guillermo Rigondeaux
Former world title challenger, Drian "Gintong Kamao" Francisco (28-3-1, 22 KO's) of Agoncillo, Batangas has just made his way to Las Vegas in time for his showdown with super bantamweight champion Guillermo "El Chacal" Rigondeaux (15-0, 10 KO's) of Cuba. Francisco feels calm and confident of victory, despite taking the fight on short notice.
"I'm excited. It's been a while since I've been this excited for a fight because I know my opponent is really good. He's been world champion multiple times," said Francisco, in an interview with Yibada.com.
Good may be a gross miscalculation.
Rigondeaux is considered by many in boxing circles to be one of the best fighters on the planet -- even eclipsing Floyd Mayweather himself in terms of raw, unadulterated talent.
The Cuban is a two-time Olympic gold medallist, winning in the 2000 and 2004 summer olympics as an amateur bantamweight. After a legendary amateur career, Rigondeaux turned professional in 2009 and has since then strung together 15 straight victories.
Rigondeaux's most notable victory is of course over none other than Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire whom he outpointed to a 12-round decision in 2013.
Although the fight was void of action much to the dismay of the crowd, Rigondeaux absolutely dominated Donaire. It was one of the most lopsided performances in the history of the sport, despite Donaire being ranked so high on most pound-for-pound lists.
Now, however unlikely it seems, Francisco gets his crack at Rigondeaux, and he's not backing down one bit.
"I'm ready to showcase my skills," said Francisco. "I'm bringing my best for this fight, probably more than any other fight. I want to make this an exciting fight for fans."
More than an exciting fight, this bout represents an opportunity for Francisco to finally showcase his unique talents to the world. Despite taking the fight on a week's notice, Francisco feels he is ready to shock the world even if preparations aren't exactly ideal.
"I can't say I'm at a hundred percent physically, well, because I wasn't training for Rigondeaux," said Francisco. "I just couldn't pass on the opportunity," said Francisco.
Last week, Francisco was training for local Filipino fighter Danilo Pena, but when the possibility of the Rigondeaux fight looming, Francisco pulled out of the Pena fight and immediately bought a ticket to the United States.
Good thing for Francisco, his head is right where it's supposed to be as he appeared calm and confident of victory.
"Mentally, I'm at a hundred percent," said Francisco. "I know I can beat him and I will do everything in my power to beat him."
Francisco is accompanied by Filipino super flyweight standout, Marvin Mabait. Mabait is assisting Francisco with fight preparations and has talked a bit of strategy as well going into the fight.
"I won't give my prediction, and I'm not promising anything. I don't want to let anybody down but we'll see in the fight. I'll do everything that I can to win," Francisco added.
He's been chasing the limelight for years now.
At his best, Francisco is a bonafide superstar with knockout power in both fists, and the speed and skill to boot. For reasons too many to list, Francisco just could not get his career together long enough to get a big break.
One fight will change everything. Francisco is ready.
"Thank you to all my fans and supporters for believing in me. You give me the strength to find a way to win."
Francisco and Rigondeaux lock horns on Saturday, November 21, at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino in a 10-round, non-title bout as part of the undercard for the highly-anticipated middleweight showdown between Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez.
