Former Olympian Mark Anthony Barriga and Drian Francisco came out victorious at Joven Sports Boxing Promotion’s “Engkwentro sa Makati” card held at the Makati Cinema Square, Saturday night.
In the four-fight card, both Barriga and Francisco outpointed their respective opponents en route to unanimous decision wins.
During the fight, Barriga (4-0) showed flashes of brilliance with his quick movements and precise punches against Mansalayao (10-25-5). He wasn’t able to get his desired first knockout win, but was able to get the judges’ nods, 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73.
“Kinailangan ko mag-iba ng istilo dahil biglang nagpalit ng kalaban,” Barriga told Tiebreaker Times.
“Hinintay ko na lang dumating yung knockout kasi beterano din po siya kaso hindi dumating.”
When pressed on his next desired bout, Barriga shared that his manager, Joven Jimenez is planning for him to get a crack at world title in the near future. However, the he still wants to register more wins prior to get him up the ladder.
“Kailangan siguro maka at least pitong panalo ako bago ako lumaban [sa world title]. Para mahasa pa yung skills ko at higit sa lahat, yung power ko.”
In the main event, Drian Francisco likewise shutout Mateo Handig of Empire Boxing Gym in a 10-round encounter.
Returning after more than a year since his last fight against Guillermo Rigondeaux, the former interim WBA world champion dominated the entire fight, leading to a 100-90, 97-93, 99-91 decision win.
Gintong Kamao caught his opponent with a number of well-timed overhands but could not get the job done as he felt stiffness in his legs. Nonetheless, he was happy to be able to get back on the winning track.
“Masaya naman po ako na nakalaban ulit at nanalo after ko mabakante. Nanjan po yung hangin kaso parang pagod sa legs siguro dahil po sa biyahe,” said Francisco, who now improves to 29-4-1.
Handig on the other hand, evens his record at 13-13, losing eight straight.
Prospects Daniel Lim and Joepher Montaño received contrasting results in the undercard.
Lim defeated Janie Canoy via unanimous decision while Montaño absorbed his first professional loss after being knocked down by Junar Adante.
Joven Sports Boxing Promotion’s Engkwentro sa Makati
February 19, 2017 – Makati Cinema Square, Makati City
Drian Francisco def. Mateo Handig via UD (100-90, 97-93, 99-91)
Mark Anthony Barriga def. Geboi Mansalayao via UD (80-72, 79-73 79-73)
Junar Adante def. Joepher Montaño via TKO6
Daniel Lim def. Janie Canoy via UD (39-37×3)
