IF PLANS push through, rising Filipino boxing star Rey ‘BoomBoom’ Bautista could be fighting for a world title next year.
The reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia-Pacific bantamweight champion along with his manager/promoter Sammy Gello-Ani made the disclosure yesterday when they appeared in the weekly PSA Forum at the main function room of the Pantalan Restaurant in Manila.
“Siguro three to four more non-title fights pa next year before we go for the regular (WBO) titlefight.
The nearest for him (to pursue) is the WBO title,” said Gello-Ani.
The 18-year-old Bautista, who wrested the WBO Asia-Pacific crown from Mexican Felix Flores Murillo after a sensational third round knockout last Sept. 10 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, is currently ranked no. 2 by the WBO.
The current champion, Ratanatchai Vorapan of Thailand is set to defend the WBO bantamweight title against top contender Johnny Gonzales of Mexico this Saturday, and Bautista said he is ready to face either of them.
“Kahit sino sa kanila, handa kong labanan,” said the young ring warrior in the same public sports program sponsored by Red Bull, Circure, Supermax, PAGCOR and Manila Mayor Lito Atienza.
For now, Bautista is setting his sight on defending his Asia-Pacific title against African Obote Ameme on Nov. 19 in his hometown in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.
The fight is promoted by Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Neri Lim, who was also in the forum together with boxing kingmaker and Bautista’s handler Antonio Aldeguer.
According to Bautista, he has no idea on the fighting style of Ameme, a native of Tanzania, but is certain that his veteran opponent is no pushover, having an impressive record of 27-9-0, with 22 wins coming by way of knockout.
“Hindi ko pa napanood ‘yung makaka-laban ko maski sa tapes. Sa ring lang kami mag-kikita. Pero alam ko malakas s’ya kasi kita naman sa record n’ya eh. Defense lang ako kasi big puncher din,” Bautista added.
