Francisco eyes to become newest world champ

Drian "Gintong Kamao" Francisco declares himself ready for the biggest fight of his young career when he climbs the ring Saturday night against Ricardo Nunez of Panama in their World BoxingAssociation (WBA) super-flyweight eliminator bout.

Drian Francisco, right, and Panama's Ricardo Nunez size up each other during Wednesday's press conference for their scheduled 12-round bout on Saturday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. Jeff Venancio

"Pinag-handaan talaga natin ito (I prepared hard for this)," said the unbeaten 26-year old Filipino rising ring prospect on the eve of the 12-round bout at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Francisco, from Sablayan, Mindoro Occidental, carries a record of 18-0 (with 14 KOs) and a win over his 22-year-old Panamanian opponent moves him closer to achieving his goal of becoming the next world champion.

"A shot at the world title will be next for Drian if ever he wins," according to his manager Elmer Anuran.

Nobuo Nashiro of Japan is the reigning WBA super-flyweight title holder.

But just as willing and eager for a shot at the 115-pound title belt is Nunez, owner of an impressive 17-1 record, including 15 KOs.

"I come over to win," said the Panamanian.

Both fighters appeared fit for the fight as they tipped the scales at 115 each during the official weigh-in held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Friday.

The judges for the fight are Raul Caiz Sr. of the U.S., Takeshi Shimakawa of Japan and Chalern Prayadsab of Thailand.

Third man on the ring is Thai Pinit Prayadsab.