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Thursday, January 27, 2005
Bautista challenger ready for a full-distance fight
By Rommel C. Manlosa
Sun.Star Staff Reporter
VUYISILE Bebe allowed his outspoken trainer/manager David Faas to do the talking, but the 28-year old stocky South African fighter was certain on one thing: He will bring the WBO Asia-Pacific bantamweight belt to Cape Town.
“I cried for too much joy and I thank God for this big opportunity that has finally come my way. This fight belongs to me and I am going to bring it back to Cape Town,” said the 28-year-old Bebe during the card’s official press conference at the Casino Español yesterday.
But the champion, Rey “Boom-Boom” Bautista, is undaunted.
“I will defend my belt because I am the champion and I am not giving this away,” said the 18-year-old Bautista, who will be facing his toughest opponent in their Jan. 29 fight dubbed “The Ultimate Challenge” at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex.
For Faas, the fight is payback time after promoter Sammy Gello-ani’s ward, Bert Batawang, recently snatched the WBA Pan-African light-flyweight title over Faas’ protégé, Sithembele Kibiti, with a seventh-round knockout.
“Mt. Kilimanjaru is conquered only by persistent men, and on Saturday we will be persistent to win the title,” said the quick-witted Faas. “If there is any knockout, I am sure it will not be Bebe. We are prepared to go for 12 rounds. We didn’t come here for a trip, but to win the fight. We will not lose.”
Gello-ani said the main event will be held at 9 p.m. so those who want to go home early may do so.
(January 27, 2005 issue)
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