In confident mood, Mexican power-hitter Gilberto Bolanos yesterday declared his readiness to trade bombs with World Boxing Organization Asia-Pacific bantamweight champion Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista in a non-title bout scheduled for 10 rounds topbilling the keenly-awaited “El Gran Combate” card this Saturday at the Mandaue City Cultural Sports Complex. “I prepared and trained hard for this fight even if I don’t know Bautista because I know the Filipino boxers are as strong as Manny Pacquiao,” said Bolanos in a press conference at the Mandaue City Hall conference room.
The 37-year-old Bolanos though was reluctant to make any prediction, but assured that he he is willing to go 10 rounds if necessary.
“I travelled this far to fight and win. I’m prepared to go all the way, but if there’s a chance, I’m going to knock him out,” said Bolanos, who is the first ever Mexican ring gladiator to fight in Cebu.
The Ciudad Obregon, Mexico-native Bolanos holds a 10-8-1 win-loss-draw record, but the interesting thing is that all of his victories were via knockout – a testament to his devastasting power.
When asked on his impression on Bautista, Bolanos said the ALA teenage sensation is a “tough fighter, but very young.”
Bolanos, who is accompanied by his trainer Rogelio Baldenegro, said he is an orthodox warrior who loves to mix it up and engage his opponent in a toe-to-toe battle.
Given Bautista’s skills, the collision of the two certified hard-punchers will surely be an action-packed and explosive shootout that will not last the full distance.
“I’m ready for whatever he brings in during our fight. If he’s going to mix it up with me, I’ll fight him that way. I can’t tell if I’m going to knock him out. I’ll just give my best to treat the Cebuano fans to a very good and entertaining night of boxing,” said Bautista.
“I fight for the Philippines and I will win,” added the Candijay, Bohol-native ring executioner, who brandishes a frightening 15-0 win-loss record packed with 11 stoppages since entering the pro backyard two years ago.
Bolanos and Bautista will have a public workout against separate sparmates at 5 pm today highlighting the formal blessing and inauguration of The Fight Club, a boxing fitness gym located at the Banilad Town Center.
Meanwhile, international promoter Sammy Gello-ani announced that as what they have done in their past promotions, the fight of Bautista and Bolanos is scheduled at 9 pm in order to give the public an option to leave early or stay until the last fight.
Gello-ani bankrolled the epic showdown in association with LAS VEGAS through the efforts of American boxing patron Michael Koncz, who arrived togther with the Mexicans.
Gello-ani further bared that VIVA recording artist Jennifer Bautista, daughter of Games and Amusements Board commissioner Angel Bautista, will sing the Philippine national anthem during the fight night.
Ronnie Nathanielsz of VIVA Sports, on the other hand, confirmed that two members of the VIVA Hot Babes are coming over to serve as roundgirls in the main event. The card will also be televised by VIVA Sports and will be aired on Sunday at 1 pm.
In the undercards of the SGG Sports Promotions International-backed show, WBA and IBF No.7 and WBO No. 6 light flyweight contender Bert Batawang takes on Elmer Muyco, while Cesar Amonsot and Robert Allanic tangle with Jun Paderna and Orlan Enriquez, respectively, in the other 10-round bouts.
Three new ALA Boys who are all former amateur standouts – Rashid Bacus, Alex John Banal and Rey Caitom – will have their baptism of fire in the professional ranks against Rex Madrid, Sonny Saguing and Reymund Legaspi.
In the preliminaries, John Carlos battles Villy Bullecer, while Japanese Nori Iwatani tackles Cris Alag.
