FIGHT OF HIS LIFE

Roberto Vazquez (left) and Drian Francisco face to face TURO LACSON

DRIAN Francisco of the Philippines faces the fight of his life when he meets two-time world champion Roberto Vasquez of Panama for the WBA International super-flyweight crown on Oct. 3 at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Francisco, 26, undefeated with 17 wins and a draw, will climb the ring as the clear underdog against Vasquez, a year younger but with a lot more to show in experience with his 27-3 record with 20 knockouts.

Francisco, an orthodox fighter, said he’s ready for the big fight that should have taken place much earlier if not for a postponement last July 26.

“I’ve prepared longer than usual for this fight because of the postponement. I’ve seen him fight. He’s good. He’s a stylist and that makes it an interesting fight,” said Francisco of his seasoned opponent, a southpaw.

Francisco said at his age, he’s ready for the big time, knowing that a victory over Vasquez, who has held world titles in the light-fly (108 lb) and flyweight (112 lb) divisions, could open bigger doors.

“I see this as an opportunity. I may be the underdog but this is the chance for me to show that I’m ready to fight internationally,” said Francisco, who is being promoted by Elmer Anuran.

Vasquez has been in Manila for a week now and vowed to pull off a victory either by way of knockout or decision. He described the Philippines as a “beautiful country.”

“I’m glad to be here for the first time and I hope it won’t be my last. It’s going to be a great fight. Knockout or decision I’m very sure I’m going to win this one,” said Vasquez through an interpreter.

“I’m not afraid,” said Francisco, who won the WBO Asia Pacific flyweight crown with a seventh-round knockout of Pichitchok Singmanassak of Thailand in 2006. Last April, he knocked out Sharil Fabanyo at the Araneta Coliseum.

In the undercard, Michael Domingo faces US Olympian Jose Navarro; Milan Melindo takes on Ivan Meneses; Al Sabaupan collides with Josafat Perez; and Michael Farenas squares off with Jong Ang Baek.