| |
|
'BOOM BOOM' BAUTISTA FACES MEXICAN TODAY
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 24 Dec 2005
With his stock in international boxing put at stake, undefeated knockout star Rey "Boom Boom" Bautista of the Philippines risks his reputation today against rugged Mexican Gerardo Espinoza at the Sycuan Resort and Casino in El Cajon,California, USA.
The bout pits the 18-year-old Bautista (18-0, 14 KO's), the pride of Bohol, against the 25-year-old Espinoza (28-9, 26 KO's), who came from the same neighborhood as Erik Morales in Tijuana, Mexico.
The tall and lanky Espinoza, nicknamed "Locomotora", was a one-time WBO world bantam challenger, and once reigned as the WBO North American Boxing Organization superbantam and bantam titlist. He had also won the WBA Fedecentro superbantamweight crown three years ago.
In terms of experience, Espinoza seems to have an edge, having been with some big names such as undefeated and highly-ranked Jose Miguel Aguiniga, ex-world champions Mauricio Martinez and Cruz Carbajal, and current IBF and pound-for-pound bantamweight champion Rafael Marquez.
Bautista, however, is unfazed, and told Fightnews, "I?m not worried about the experience edge he has on me because I?m well prepared for this fight and I feel I?m ready for this step up in competition."
At yesterday's official weigh-in, Bautista came in at 118 3/4 lbs, while Espinoza checked in at 120 lbs.
Bautista's manager, Cebu sportsman Tony Aldeguer, had indicated that renowned trainer Freddie Roach will personally work his ward's corner today, assisted by Filipino trainer Edito "Ala" Villamor and conditioning coach Justin Fortune.
Before flying to the United States, Bautista had logged in sparring rounds at the ALA Gym in Cebu against RP bantam champ Michael Domingo, superbantam Pedro Malco, superfly Sherwin Paro and Danny Boy Bontilao.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
RIVERA DEFENDS FLYWEIGHT TITLES AGAINST GONZALEZ IN PUERTO RICO
, Sat, 16 Nov 2024WEIGHTS FROM ATLANTIC CITY
, Sat, 16 Nov 2024LATINO NIGHT OFFICIAL WEIGHTS: ZURDO VS. BILLAM-SMITH RIYADH SEASON’S LATINO NIGHT EVENT PRESENTED BY GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS IN SAUDI ARABIA ON NOVEMBER 16
, Sat, 16 Nov 2024Inoue Fancied to Repeat as FOTY but Beterbiev, Usyk, Bam Have Strong Cases (Last of Two Parts)
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Sat, 16 Nov 2024IBA Kunlun Fight World Cup is ready to commence in Beijing
, Sat, 16 Nov 2024Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul: Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See
By Chris Carlson, , Fri, 15 Nov 2024Inoue Fancied to Repeat as FOTY But Beterbiev, Usyk, Bam Have Strong Cases (First of Two Parts)
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Fri, 15 Nov 2024FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE FOR RIYADH SEASON’S LATINO NIGHT EVENT PRESENTED BY GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS IN SAUDI ARABIA
, Fri, 15 Nov 2024The Boxing Buzz is back this Saturday night on The Boardwalk
, Fri, 15 Nov 2024Undefeated Heavyweight Bruce Seldon Jr. Looks To Remain Unbeaten on Saturday, November 16!
, Fri, 15 Nov 2024Unbeaten Rising Star David Cardenas Headlines San Antonio Boxing Card on Saturday, November 23rd Streamed Live on ABC Affiliate KSAT.com
, Fri, 15 Nov 2024Team USA Dominated 2024 World Boxing U19 Championships, Brought Home Historic Medals
, Fri, 15 Nov 2024Cleveland's Resurgence, Injuries Threaten Boston Celtics Hold of NBA East Conference
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Thu, 14 Nov 2024RIYADH SEASON’S LATINO NIGHT FIGHTERS EXCITE FANS DURING OPEN MEDIA WORKOUT AHEAD OF STACKED CARD ON NOVEMBER 16
, Thu, 14 Nov 2024Victoria Sports Club open rapid chess tournament on November 23
By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 14 Nov 2024GRAND ARRIVALS FIESTA KICKS OFF RIYADH SEASON’S LATINO NIGHT EVENT PRESENTED BY GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS IN SAUDI ARABIA WITH MAIN EVENT CO-PROMOTED BY BOXXER
, Wed, 13 Nov 2024Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez prepared for a war for his World Cruiserweight Unification with Chris Billam-Smith
, Wed, 13 Nov 2024IBA Kunlun Fight World Cup kicks off in Beijing on 16 November with superstars Erislandy Alvarez and Sofiane Oumiha
, Wed, 13 Nov 20244th Senator Manny Pacquiao rapid chess tatluhan team tournament on November 17
By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 13 Nov 2024The Past Week in Action 11 November 2024: Ennis Outpoints Chukhadzhian; Rodriguez Destroys Guevarra: Davis Wipes Out Lemos
By Eric Armit, , Tue, 12 Nov 2024Cristian "Chichatio" Gonzalez Headlines Nov.29 on ESPN Knockout
, Tue, 12 Nov 2024Let's Support Israel "Magnificent" Vázquez in the Fight of His Life
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 11 Nov 2024Jericho Winston Cu rules ACE Youth Chess Championship
By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 11 Nov 2024Two Fights That Could Prompt Inoue Early Move Up to the Featherweights
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Mon, 11 Nov 2024DON KING'S MESSAGE ON TRUMP VICTORY
, Mon, 11 Nov 2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
