MEXICAN gladiators Antonio Meza and Jovanny Soto yesterday told the Filipino media that they did not take a back-breaking 15-hour flight to be slaughtered like lambs.
“We did not come here to lose,” said 25-year-old Antonio Meza with the help of manager cum interpreter Fernando Dominguez during the weekly PSA Forum at Shakey?s at UN Avenue in Ermita, Manila.
Meza collides with Filipino hopeful Rey ?Boom Boom” Bautista for the World Boxing Organization Intercontinental super-bantamweight crown as big-time boxing returns to the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday morning.
Dubbed ?Payback?, the Bautista-Meza 122-lb scuffle will be preceded by an equally explosive match between unbeaten Filipino super-fly AJ banal, who squares off with Jovanny Soto.
“He said he?s going to win… by knockout or by decision,” said Meza, who arrived early yesterday morning.
“They?re in great shape,” said Dominguez notwithstanding the fact that they only have five days to get accustomed to the weather and shake off the ill effects of jet lag.
“These boxers trained for two months and sparred for over 100 rounds,” added Dominguez, who claimed that the high-altitude conditions in Mexico City during training will make up for their late arrival on local shores.
Bautista is raring to erase the stigma of the firstround knockout loss to Daniel Ponce De Leon last August, according to former PBA commissioner Noli Eala of Third Force Promotions.
Bautista holds a 23-1-0 win-loss-draw card with 17 knockouts, while the Mexican-based Meza parades a 23-3 slate with 16 stoppages.
Banal, who like Bautista is a prot?g? of Cebu boxing patron Tony Aldeguer, parades a 15-0-1 ledger with 12 wins inside the distance, while Soto climbs the ring armed with a 25-7-1 mark.
“Sunday is going to be payback time and I hope the Filipino boxing fans will be coming to support,” said Eala.
To spice up the event, Eala said fight fans will get to see live action of Nonito Donaire?s first defense of the International Boxing Federation flyweight crown against Mexican Luis Maldonado at Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Ledyard, Connecticut.
“The Donaire fight will be coming in at around 10:30 pm live from Connecticut. So once na mag-start ito, hinto muna yung boxing natin so that fans will get to enjoy the action,” added Eala.
Also lending a hand to the promotion are ABC Sports, Solar Sports, Aldeguer?s ALA Boxing Club and Tagbilaran (Bohol) City mayor Dan Neri Lim, who is a diehard boxing fan.
Amy Hayes, will make the ring introductions.
