Saturday, September 15, 2007 Sayson: Bert Batawang no longer "Bert Kalawang" By Homer Sayson Second Overtime
CHICAGO—Inactive since Feb. 24 this year, he is accumulating more rust than the Titanic. Slowly but surely, Bert Batawang was turning into Bert Kalawang, the Rusty Kid.
But after two postponed fights, one in Aug.11 and another on Sept. 15, the clouds of uncertainty have finally dispersed.
Batawang, the Ninja from Sanciangko, Cebu, finally got his world title wish granted. Once described by this corner as “the fighter without a foe,” Bert will challenge IBF junior flyweight champion Ulises Solis this Oct. 4 at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.
I first learned of this development yesterday through Philboxing.com. But given Batawang’s recent history of cancellations, I read Salven Lagumbay’s story with disbelieving eyes. Once bitten, twice shy.
I looked for confirmation, and got it swiftly from two unimpeachable sources. “According to Sammy (Gello-ani), it will push through. It’s promoted by Top Rank,” Anthony L. Aldeguer told me via text message.
“As of now, yes it is (the bout’s on), hoping that nothing will come up,” ALA stable empire heir apparent, Michael Aldeguer, also said via text message last night.
The title date isn’t just a relief, it’s reason to be giddy. After all, 35-year-old pugs Batawang rarely fight for championships as meaningful as an IBF gem. And, yes, it’s a modest payday, which is good news for the father of six.
But the Ninja has earned his due. A pro since Oct. 13, 1990, he has a record of 50 wins, six losses and zero draws. He has knocked out 34 foes, and has campaigned in South Africa, Indonesia, Japan and South Africa. And now, Las Vegas. Under the brightest lights, and boxing for a precious treasure.
Can he do it? Can he dethrone the little king, who has defended his belt five times, including a bloody 8th round TKO of Rodel Mayol last Aug. 4?
Why not?
Although he has acquired some measure of ring rust, Bert is in terrific shape. He has trained at the Wild Card gym since June 24, fine-tuned since early August. He has over 150 sparring rounds under his belt, has ran hills and asphalt jungles, and maintains a diet to stay in fighting weight.
Yes, the Ninja is more ready than a table for two at a fancy restaurant.
Kudos to Sammy Gello-ani of the SGG stable. Ditto with international promoter Sampson Lewkowicz for making this championship duel happen.
Two weeks ago, this deal was dying in the curb. Stalled like an old car with old legs. But Sammy and Sampson wouldn’t give up. They pushed this thing like two eager teens late for the prom.
His handlers and promoters have done their part, now it’s Bert’s turn to turn those efforts into gold.
ODEN NOT GOLDEN. Greg Oden, the 7-foot-1, 250-pound No.1 draft pick this year will miss his entire rookie season. Which means Portland’s Youth Revolution will have to wait until next season.
Oden had microfracture surgery. It’s an injury that has derailed many notable NBA careers—Penny Hardaway and Allan Houston, to name a few—but the Blazers are hopeful that Oden, only 19, will recover fully.
Amare Stoudemire of the Suns has sustained the same injury but he regained his All-Star form after surgery and extensive rehab.
Lawyer Francis Anthony Javelosa e-mailed to ask me yesterday if the Blazers should have taken Kevin Durant, the 6-foot-9 gem who went to Seattle, instead of Oden.
I don’t think so, Anthony. When a gifted 7-footer with offense and defense comes along, you take the sucker home. It’s a no-brainer.
Oden’s injury is a case of bad luck, one that didn’t surface until an exploration on his knees yesterday. (homsay@hotmail.com)
