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Thursday, December 30, 2004
DOT backs Bautista fight
By Rommel C. Manlosa
SunStar Staff Reporter
THE Department of Tourism has endorsed the upcoming “Ultimate Challenge” promotion featuring the first title defense of WBO Asia-Pacific bantamweight champion Rey “Boom-Boom” Bautista on Jan. 29, 2005 at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex.
The undefeated Bautista is scheduled to take on South African slugger Vuyisile Bebe.
The letter dated Dec. 22, signed by DOT secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano, arrived Sunday, a day after Bautista led the annual gift giving of the ALA Gym to the destitute boxers on Christmas day.
Also present in the event were Al Espinosa, Ric Barimbad and Ben Aldeguer.
“The Department of Tourism is proud to endorse the WBO Asia-Pacific bantamweight championship, the first title defense of Rey “Boom-Boom” Bautista against South African boxer, Vuyisile Bebe. We support this project and its objectives of promoting tourism under the field of sports tourism,” the letter reads.
The 18-year-old Bautista, who is lined-up for bigger fights abroad next year, is once again set to flaunt his killer punches that made him a celebrity early in his career.
“The Philippines takes pride in hosting this championship event. In behalf of the DOT and the organizers of the Ultimate Challenge, we request your assistance and generous support for this unprecedented boxing event in Cebu,” the letter adds.
Durano recognizes international boxing promotions as among the interesting events that the country could organize in order to attract tourists, and the organization WBO Asia-Pacific could play a good part in promoting the country to the international market.
Bebe holds a 15-5-0 win-loss-draw record with six knockout wins and is reputed to have an iron jaw. The former South African light flyweight champion has never tasted a defeat via knockout.
However, the sensational Bautista is not about to let the 28-year-old African derail his chances of becoming a world champion.
Bautista, protecting an immaculate 13-0 record packed with 10 KOs, did not allow the rush of the holidays to interrupt his training.
(December 30, 2004 issue)
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