REY ?Boom-Boom? Bautista has been riddled with doubts throughout his career. He has been ridiculed for his lack of defense by most boxing fans.
In Bautista?s last fight in August against Mexican Alejandro Barrera, he escaped with a controversial fourth-round technical knockout, which still left doubts in the minds of boxing fans.
However, the 24-year-old Boholano pug wants to put the doubts to rest by showing the public what he is capable of and prove that the win against Barrera wasn?t a fluke.
?A lot of people felt bad about his (Bautista) last fight because it left controversy in the decision. It wasn?t an impressive fight and he failed to show what he can do.
He knows and realized that, and wanted a rematch. The camp of Barrera also wanted a rematch,? ALA Promotions president Michel Aldeguer told Sun.Star Cebu.
Ruling
Bautista was awarded with the win after Barrera suffered a huge gash on his left eyelid that referee Tony Peason ruled to be a legitimate punch.
Bautista and Barrera will put an end to the controversy as they face each other in a grudge match on Jan. 29 at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino.
?I?ve never seen him so determined. Right now, he is ready,? said Aldeguer.
Training
Evident of his hunger to beat the 31-year-old cousin of Mexican great Marco Antonio Barrera, Bautista is staying here in Cebu for the holidays and focus on his training instead of going home to Bohol.
?Boom-Boom?s one of the most hardworking fighters. But this is the first time he made a decision to stay,? said Aldeguer.
Bautista has been having eight rounds of sparring against Fernando Otic, Michael Domingo and James Bacon and will soon reach the peak of his training.
?A lot of people are questioning him. He has to show that he still has what it takes. Either you make it or you break it.?
