After experiencing a disappointing 1st round TKO loss to Daniel Ponce De Leon in August, Rey ?Boom Boom? Bautista (33-1, 30 KOs) was able to put the loss behind him with a successful unanimous decision over Antonio ?Barrio? Meza (23-4, 16 KOs) on Saturday night at the Araneta Coliseum in Manila, Philippines. The final judges? scores were 117-111, 116-112 and 118-110, awarding the victory to the 21 year-old Bautista. In the process of getting the victory, Bautista picked up the World Boxing Organization Intercontinental super bantamweight belt.
Bautista showcased different boxing skills in this bout, showing patience as he waited for openings in Meza?s defense. Bautista showed excellent power by digging in wicket uppercuts and hooks to Meza?s body from the opening rounds, and throwing beautiful combinations.
For his part, Meza showed his Mexican warrior heart by showing no fear while taking tremendous shots from Bautista.
With this victory, Bautista showed that he?s ready to take on better opponents in the near future, and perhaps to challenge for another major title. There is still a big question, naturally, whether he can put behind him his humiliating 1st round TKO loss to De Leon so that he can re-establish himself as one of the premier super bantamweight fighters in the division.
