Wednesday, September 12, 2007 GBP OKs Bautista fight
AFTER the first loss of his young career—a first round knockout—Rey Boom Boom Bautista is set to make his ring return on Dec. 8 at the Araneta Coliseum in Manila.
Cebu boxing patron Antonio Aldeguer said that Golden Boy Promotions (GBP) has given them the go signal to finalize the fight. Despite his loss, Bautista signed a three-year contract with GBP recently.
Aldeguer said Bautista (23-1) will defend his World Boxing Organization Inter-Continental super bantamweight title in the December fight.
The Cebuano boxing impresario said he was planning to have Feider Viloria of Columbia fight his ward. However, that plan got axed after Viloria got floored by Antonio Escalante early this month.
“That’s why we have to find another opponent for Boom-Boom,” said Aldeguer.
Bautista, who suffered his first loss in his challenge to WBO super bantamweight king Daniel Ponce de Leon, is said to be practicing in Candijay Bohol.
In an earlier interview with Sun.Star Super Balita, Bautista said he is eager to make his ring return and that is why he is keeping himself conditioned even if he is on vacation back in his home town.
On the other hand, ALA trainer Edito Villamor said Bautista is set to return to the world class ALA gym in Talamban to start his preparation for the fight.
“Next month, or earlier, Boom-Boom should start his training. But he said, he is practicing back home,” said Villamor.
Meanwhile, Aldeguer said that aside from Bautista, AJ Banal and Michael Domingo are also set to join Bautista in the card.
Wins
Banal and Domingo last fought in the World Cup, where they scored two of the Philippines five wins.
Banal plastered Jorge Cardenas in just three rounds, while Domingo halted Miguel Roman’s 22-fight unbeaten streak with a win in six rounds.
Aldeguer said they are requesting noted matchmaker Samson Lewkowicz to find quality Mexican opponents for their fighters in the promotion. (ESL)
