Nineteen-year-old Filipino sensation Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista has firmly established himself as a popular figure in his native country. Amongst current super star status pugilists hailing from the Philippines, the young knock out artist from Bohol closely trails the great Manny Pacquiao and current WBC light flyweight Champion Brian Viloria. Fans are attracted by the display of energy, skills and charisma he brings into each bout.
Bautista now seeks international recognition and will make his second U.S. appearance on December 23, 2005 at the Edgewater Casino in Laughlin, Nevada. “The objective is to expose him in the United States both in training and in facing a more stiff competition,” confirmed Tony Aldeguer, Bautista’s manager and well-known Cebu Boxing icon.
Bautista (18-0, 14KO) has power in both hands and has shown great natural ability in the ring. He won the WBO Asia Pacific bantamweight title last month by stopping African Obote Ameme by second round TKO. The undefeated youngster now faces a crucial challenge against former WBO bantamweight champion Gerardo “Locomotora” Espinoza.
The tough Mexican may result in Bautista’s most difficult opponent to date.
The ex-champ has faced first class competition, amongst them IBF bantamweight king Rafael Marquez, undefeated prospect Jose Miguel Aguiniga (twice), contender Genaro Garcia, Mauricio Martinez, Cruz Carbajal and Jorge Lacierva.
Aldeguer firmly believes Espinoza (28-9, 26KO) will be the toughest test for his fighter thus far, saying: “Espinoza has experience in battling some of the best in this category.” Espinoza carries boom in his fists too. Of his 26 KO’s, 25 came before the sixth round, albeit, against mediocre opposition. When matched against top competition, he appears reduced to an average fighter, having lost to each of the above-mentioned opponents. He comes into this fight with a four bout losing streak.
Despite his impressive record, at such a tender age, “Boom Boom” has plenty to learn. Considered a highly promising talent, his opponents have been carefully hand picked to sharpen his skills and develop self-confidence. “He is a naturally gifted boxer but has a lot more to learn,” assured Aldeguer. Espinoza no doubt will represent a step higher in quality of opposition.
Bautista is currently ranked number one by the WBO. If he manages to get past Espinoza he may become the mandatory challenger of the winner between newly crowned bantamweight champion Jhonny Gonzalez of Mexico and Mark “Too Sharp” Johnson, scheduled for February 2006.
Although a clash against Gonzalez or Johnson is intriguing. Realistically, it may be some time before fans see Bautista challenging for a title. Whether his handlers decide to fight for a world championship and when, will depend on the progress shown by the untested young prospect.
As Bautista continues to develop and competition stiffens, seasoned veterans will surely attempt to school the inexperienced young man. Bautista should ultimately prove he belongs with the elite bantamweights of the world. There is little doubt that Rey has the talent and desire to become world champion. One detail is also certain; Bautista is ready to “Boom Boom”!
