INQUIRER Sports

UNFAZED BY THE HUGE ADVANTAGE IN experience of his foe, Drian ?Golden Fists? Francisco vows not to disappoint ring fans as he eyes the WBA International super flyweight title against two-time world champion Rafael ?La Araña? Vasquez of Panama on Oct. 3 at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Still unbeaten in 17 fights, the 26-year-old Francisco told the PSA Forum at Shakey?s UN Avenue yesterday that he?ll get strength and inspiration from hometown fans in his fight against Vasquez (27-3, with 20 knockouts).

?I?m fit to fight the full 12 rounds,? said Francisco, who has knocked out 13 of his victims, in Filipino. ?But if I can finish Vasquez early, that will be better.

?Vasquez is a very experienced fighter but fighting in front of my countrymen is a boost.?

Francisco, along with Saved by the Bell Promotion head Elmer Anuran and lightweight Al Sabaupan, graced the forum.

Anuran said a victory by Francisco over Vasquez in the fight card dubbed as ?Battle of the Bay: First Strike? will lead to a projected title bout against reigning WBA titleholder Nobou Nashiro of Japan early next year.

?Of course, it goes without saying that Drian must hurdle Vasquez,? Anuran said. ?Francisco hates to lose here.?

Vasquez and Francisco later met with Solar Sports CEO Peter Changliong and former two-time world champ Gerry Peñalosa in another press conference at the Hyatt hotel in Manila.

The promotion is a joint venture between Solar and Saved by the Bell.

?I?m sure I?ll win but I don?t know whether it?s by knockout or decision,? said Vasquez, a former WBA light flyweight and interim flyweight titlist. ?I am not taking my opponent for granted. I trained hard for this fight.?