CHICAGO – He has all the qualities of a star. Young, good looking in a macho kind of way, fierce and focused, and his punches travel faster than gossip. It’s easy to like Rey “Boom-Boom” Bautista. That’s why America’s boxing public has quickly embraced him.
In the aftermath of his smashing KO win last Saturday night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, I followed Boom-Boom’s entourage as they walked from the dressing room to their level 1 seats in the main arena, where they watched the Barrera-Juarez main event.
Immediately after he emerged from the tunnel towards ringside, shrieking fans, not just Filipinos, chanted “Boom-Boom! Boom-Boom!” Looking regal in full, red and black ALA gear, Boom-Boom’s Nike shoes can’t make more than five strides without being stopped.
But the prized ALA pug didn’t mind the attention, and he accepted all the adulation with cheerful grace. He signed every boxing glove that was shoved to him, posed for photos to those who asked, and he shook more hands than a congressional candidate.
A young man, a confessed Boholano, gave Rey the surprise of the day. After posing for a photo op, the fan eagerly took off the authentic Kobe Bryant jersey he was wearing, clasped the precious cloth with both hands and gave it to Boom-Boom. “Imo na kana, idol (That’s for you, idol)!” he said.
Somewhere out there in Cebu City, I know, Antonio L. Aldeguer (ALA) is swelling with pride. And deservedly so. Without him, without his undying passion for the sport, the boxing world wouldn’t have seen the gem that is Rey Bautista.
With his fights now being promoted by the reputable Golden Boy Promotions of Oscar Dela Hoya, Boom-Boom could soon become a Pinoy face as recognizable as, ahem, Manny Pacquiao
But for that to happen, and before we even try to make any more of those PacMan-Boom-Boom comparisons, Rey Bautista must continue to not only win, but pile impressive victories that have endeared Manny to a hero-starved nation.
I am confident Boom-Boom can do it. And why not? The kid’s got it all, especially knockout power, which is the greatest asset in boxing. In Freddie Roach and Edito Villamor, he has the best teachers, and Rey is eager to learn.
Since I last saw him fight last Dec. 23 in San Diego, I noticed Rey’s evolving maturity. Each time he got hit, which happened on occasion last Saturday, Rey didn’t angrily try to get back immediately. Instead of exposing himself any further punishment by recklessly charging, he would step back under fire and re-position himself for a counter-attack.
His ring generalship also improved dramatically. Taller and having a stiffer jab, Rey could have just jab-straight his way to an easy win. But he didn’t. Rey moved all night, jabbing to the head and body, and throwing punches from all angles. His defense has also shored up, hands up at all times and with more head movement.
Most decisively, his punching power has apparently kicked up a notch, too. I don’t know how Rey’s punches looked on TV, but from my Row 3 seat at ringside, they were frighteningly devastating. Crisp, precise, and God darn strong.
To be honest, I am amazed at how Roberto Bonilla lasted for as long as he did. Relentlessly and mercilessly, Boom Boom threw bombs until the Nicaraguan decayed like sun-dried fruit.
And while I’m thrilled about Rey’s morphing into a complete fighter, it’s his humility that impresses me the most. All his success aside, Rey still is the God-fearing, respectful, and wonderful human being I first met in March 2004.
I’d really like to say that Rey hasn’t changed. But let’s not kid ourselves here. Rey has changed. He isn’t the same. Rey is a now a star. And together, let’s watch how far he could take that sparkle. Enjoy the ride.
