Francisco seeks convincing win in comeback fight

FORMER World Boxing Association (WBA) interim bantamweight champion Drian “Golden Fist” Francisco hopes to reboot his career with a convincing victory on February 18 against fellow Filipino Mateo Handig at the Makati Square Cinema in Pasong Tamo, Makati City.

The 34-year-old Francisco will be returning to the ring again for the first time since losing to Guillermo Rigondeaux ( 17- 0 win- loss record with 11 knockouts) via unanimous decision last November 2015 in Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, USA.

“I’m happy and excited to re- turn again. My goal is to win this match first and then my next move is to win a regional title before thinking of a world title,” Francisco (28-4-1 winloss- draw record with 22 knockouts) told The Manila Times during interview. “I believe I still have it. All I need to do is train hard.”

Occidental Mindoro native failed to secure a fight during his one year and a month hiatus due to promotional problem.

Handig (13-12 record with seven knockouts) is from Northern Samar.

Francisco had served as sparring partner for reigning International Boxing Federation su- per flyweight Jerwin Ancajas in his world title defense last January 29 in Macau, China against Mexican Jose Alfredo Rodriguez. Ancajas won by a technical knockout.

The card will also feature former 2012 London Olympics Mark Anthony Barriga and Joepher Montano in separate matches. Barriga (3-0) will be fighting Jeven Villacite (4-54 record with one knockout) in a light flyweight bout.

Montano ( 7- 0- 2 record with six knockouts) will be meeting Junar Adante (6-6-1 record with three knockouts) in a junior welterweight fight.