If there is one advice that should be heeded by WBO Asia-Pacific bantamweight champion Rey “Boom-Boom” Bautista on his coming epic battle with Mexican hitman Gilberto Bolanos, it should come from no other than American Freddie Roach, the revered trainer of the Filipino ring superstar Manny Pacquiao. None can be more authoritative than the 2003 Trainer of the Year awardee as he has seen both the 18-year-old champion Bautista and the iron-fisted Bolanos in separate situations.
Bautista trained under the tutelage of Roach, who personally handled his training chores for over two weeks which gives the latter a first hand knowledge of the youthful champion.
In a different situation, Roach served as the cornerman of NABO bantamweight champion Kahren Harutyunan, when the Armenian was stopped by Bolanos in the seventh round in Montebello, California.
Under this premise, Roach, who is known to be a man of few words, made an assessment and stated, “Bolanos is a game and tough opponent who comes straight at you,” and added further that “ Bautista should watch for his head (Bolanos) as he frequently uses it to head butt his opponent.”
Nothing less than a free-wheeling and explosive action is therefore expected on the much-awaited “El Gran Combate” showdown on June 11 at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex.
While the last title defense of the Candijay, Bohol-native Bautista against the South African warrior Vuyisile Bebe lasted the full 12-round distance, Roach himself admits that the Bautista-Bolanos fight would not go beyond the fifth round.
“Both Bautista and Bolanos pack a wallop and either one can end the fight with a single blow. The one with the better defense will come out the victor,” assessed Roach, who picks Bautista to win.
Interest on the momentous fight has reached beyond the shores of the island as international boxing pundits are coming to watch with WBO Asia-Pacific Vice President Leon Panoncillo and Las Vegas representative Michael Koncz heading the list of dignitaries.
A group from Korea and Singapore have also made reservations to witness the fight.
International promoter Sammy Gello-ani would wish to advice therefore the fans to get their tickets earlier to avoid the mad rush at the ticket booth as what happened the last time.
Tickets can be bought at the USA Sports boutiques in Ayala and SM and at the Life Prolong Office, TPE Building at Banilad and for Bohol fans at the Island Souvenirs outlet at the Island City Mall in Tagbilaran City and ALA Boxing Gym in Taloto.
