LEWKOWICZ INFORMS IBF: "BATAWANG IS READY"

World renowned international matchmaker non-pareil Sampson 'Picasso' Lewkowicz, in a message to the International Boxing Federation (IBF), has informed the sanctioning body that Filipino Bert Batawang is "ready" and "willing" to challenge IBF junior flyweight champion Ulises Solis in a mandatory title challenge.

"In response to your letter dated on Sept 5th 2007 in which you stated that number 8th rated contender Bert Batawang is the next in line to face Ulises Solis as a mandatory challenger," Lewkowicz said in his email. "I am confirming to you with great pleasure that Mr. Bert Batawang is ready, willing and able to face this challenge."

Batawang has continued training at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles despite his botched appearance at the World Cup in Sacramento due to his opponent's failure to hurdle the medical exams. The fight, had it come off, would have been an eliminator for the IBF 108-lb title.

"On behalf of Bert Batawang, his team and the entire Philippine Islands we say thank you for this deserved opportunity for this Filipino warrior," Lewkowicz added.

"I want to take this opportunity to let you know, how much the boxing world appreciates your fairness and unmatched integrity and thanks to you and your federation you make insignificant boxers become significant once they are crowned IBF world champions," Lewkowicz added in his letter.