Bautista eager to fight again in Bohol, vows to put up impressive fight against tough Mexican

Monday, February 6, 2012

IT WAS on Nov. 19, 2005 when Rey “Boom-Boom” last laced his gloves in front of his fellow Boholanos, and on that night he put on a show for the hometown crowd and disposed of challenger Obote Ameme in the second round in a fight held at the enormous Carlos P. Garcia Sports Complex in Tagbilaran City.

On his return on March 3, after more than six years, the 25-year-old Candijay, Bohol native intends to once again entertain his fellow Boholanos.

Have something to report? Tell us in text, photos or videos.

“I miss fighting there. I want to fight there and I assure them (Boholanos) that they will enjoy this fight,” Bautista said during the launching of “Pinoy Pride 12 – Bakbakan sa Bohol” yesterday at the Maya Mexican Restaurant.

Bautista is slated for a 10-round non-title fight against veteran former world title contender Genaro Garcia at the same venue where he last fought in his hometown.

“I’m excited to fight because I’m going to return to my hometown. I’m going to train hard for this fight,” assured Bautista, 32-2 with 24 knockouts.

But unlike in 2005, Bautista must brace himself for a tough night as the 34-year-old
Garcia’s credentials dwarfs that of Ameme’s.

“Garcia is an experienced fighter. He is tough. This is a huge test for Boom-Boom and we will know if he really belongs to the top caliber,” said ALA Gym head trainer Edito Villamor.

Garcia has fought but lost in three world title fights against Luis Alberto Perez, Hozumi Hasegawa and Toshiaki Nishioka. However, he holds a knockout win over Mexican star Rafael Marquez and holds victories over former world champions Mauricio Martinez, Victor Rabanales and Adonis Rivas. He has also fought but lost to the likes of former world champions Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. and Cruz Carbajal.

Undefeated prospect Genesis Servania (16-0, 5 KOs) faces another tough test as he takes on Nick Otieno (21-7, 9 KOs), who once fought retired ALA Gym star Z Gorres to a decision.

Jason Pagara is also scheduled to fight in the same boxing event and he will be looking to bounce back from a loss to Mexican Rosbel Montoya against a yet-to-be-named opponent.

Also seeing action in the undercard is veteran Michael Domingo, who is trading leathers with journeyman Marvin Tampus in an eight-rounder.

It will be a make or break fight for Domingo, who has lost two of his last three fights, because it will serve as a key for a possible fight against former world champion Joseph Agbeko on May 21.

“He needs to go through Tampus,” ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer said of his 32-year-old ward. “Maybe after that he can go for a world title.”