Domingo vs Francisco slated for Feb. 24

AN all-Filipino showdown with fireworks written all over it is expected to take place when ALA Gym’s Michael “Bruce Lee” Domingo takes on Drian “Gintong Kamao” Francisco on Feb. 24 at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

This was revealed yesterday by ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer, who said that the fight has been moved from its original Sept. 10 playdate.

Francisco’s manager Elmer Anuran, who heads Saved by the Bell Promotions that will put up this matchup along with TV-5, confirmed yesterday the final date and venue of the fight.

“Yes, it’s confirmed for Sept. 24 at Cuneta Astrodome,” Anuran told this writer.

Francisco, the former interim WBA superflyweight king and rated WBA No. 4, is coming off a unanimous decision defeat at the hands of Thailand’s Teerapith Singwancha last May and is hoping to test his skills against a credible opponent of Domingo’s caliber.

Domingo, rated IBF No. 10, lost to Vusi Malinga in an IBF bantam eliminator late last year, but hopes to line himself up for another shot at a world title with a win over the stylish Francisco.

The youthful Aldeguer, meanwhile, met with Cebu media yesterday at the Cebu Grand Hotel to formally announce its “Pinoy Pride 8: Philippines vs. Mexico” card on Sept. 10 (see separate story).

Also present at yesterday’s media gathering was ALA fighter Milan Milendo, who will duke it out with Mexican Francisco Rosas in the main event for the WBO Intercontinental flyweight championship over 12 rounds.

Also seeing action in the card are Jason Pagara against Mexican Rosbel Montoya and Genesis Servania who will face Mexican veteran Gerson Guerrero.