Young Filipino prospect Jeffrey Francisco will be aiming at exacting revenge when he meets Japanese boxer Yusuke Suzuki Wednesday night at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.
Francisco and Suzuki will vie for the vacant WBC Eurasia Pacific Boxing Council bantamweight title in their 12-round battle.
The 24-year-old Francisco (13-1-1, 1 knockout) hopes to avenge the bitter loss suffered by stablemate Monico Laurente who dropped a controversial decision loss to Suzuki last August 2014 in Tokyo, Japan.
“Gusto ko po na makabawi sa pagkatalo ng stablemate ko pero importante din po na manalo kasi malaki ang chance na makapasok ako sa world ratings,” said the Palawan-native Francisco.
For his part, Suzuki (6-2, 4 KOs) will be using his upcoming match as a way to recover from a split decision loss in his last fight opposite compatriot Ryoichi Tamura July of last year also in Tokyo.
Meantime, undefeated Joe Noynay and veteran campaigner Richard Pumicpic is expected to steal the limelight from the main eventers when they fight for the vacant WBC International superbantamweight crown.
Also seeing action in the undercard is the undefeated Dave Peñalosa (10-0, 7 KOs) against veteran journeyman Menard Zaragosa in a 6-round encounter.
Peñalosa, son of former two-division world champion Dodie Boy, is slated to campaign in the United States after signing up with American manager Cameron Dunkin.
Dunkin is the manager of several world boxing champions that include “Filipino Flash” Nonito Donaire, Jr. (Dennis Principe)