REY ?Boom-Boom? Bautista is a marked man. His loss to Ponce de Leon notwithstanding, he is now what we refer to in boxing parlance as a name fighter.
And why not? He is known internationally, having fought the reigning world champion in his class. Oscar dela Hoya promotes him. He is fast friends with Bernard Hopkins, Shane Mosely and the rest of the Golden Boy retinue. He is managed and coached well.
A few months ago, after it was announced that Bautista was ready for his comeback fight, it was as if a window of opportunity suddenly opened for some eager to make their names at his expense.
And who can blame them? It is at this point in his career that a young prospect is at his most vulnerable. While he is still down, trying to pick up pieces of his shattered confidence, now is the opportune time to zero in like a pack of wolves, and devour what?s left.
Bautista?s management team recognizes this and so picking Mexican Antonio Meza with an impressive record of 23-2 with 16 KOs as his opponent was a tough call to make.
?It wasn?t easy. But in the end, we had to decide what was best for Boom-Boom at this point in his career,? Michael Aldeguer told this writer. ?We could have gone on with the initial plan for him to match him easy and have him fight in Bohol, but we realized it won?t do anything for his career.?
Well said, Mike and I totally agree.
I was among those who expressed concerns about Bautista?s chin not being able to withstand the heavy bombardment at the championship caliber. For me, the one-round flop against Ponce de Leon merely suggested it. What his team needs to find out right now is to validate whether such a claim can be confirmed or dismissed.
Right now, there?s a bulls-eye sign fastened on him and I?m willing to bet it?s somewhere near his chin. Of course, the Meza fight will not be enough. But it?s a step in the right direction.
MEMO TO MY COMPANERO. Why are Atty. Noli Eala and company calling their group the Third Force? Sounds too confusingly similar to Task Force.
And that name, to me?when prefixed to any government endeavor?conjures up uncomfortable images of inefficiency, buffoonery and the like.
With all their lofty ideals for the sport of boxing, they deserve to come up with a better name. After all, we were never quite really aware who comprised the first and second force?Just asking.
THIRD OVERTIME? In case you didn?t know, and if you?re wondering why this writer sits all alone today in this corner of the paper, the Lord of the Metaphors, Homer Sayson is on leave. Homer emailed me today to tell you, my dear Sun Star Cebu readers, that he is touched by the outpouring of love and support from over a hundred emails he has received.
Nyor, don?t stay out too long. The score is tied, and buzzer signaling the end of the first overtime has sounded. Second Overtime has to happen. Soon.
JAB OF THE DAY. Lawyer jokes abound. We actually like it, well at least some of us with a sense of humor do. But this smart retort from boxing manager Scott Hirsch (who manages heavyweight contenders Jameel McCline and Shannon Briggs), takes the cake.
Responding to a recent article penned by boxing writer Tom Hauer, Scott Hirsch posted the following reply on fightnews.com.
?First I want to make the declaration that Tom is a heck of a boxing writer, and that I respect his work. That being said, in his article he implied that I am insane, an insincere phony, and that I was crooked and might bribe officials. He even inferred that I was a lawyer. I?ll let the first four things go, but get this right: I am not a lawyer and how dare you insinuate that I am.?
THE LAST ROUND. It is on Last Rounder and outstanding USC alumnus Rey Salgado. Cheers!
