Before he checked in his hotel room shortly after his arrival at the Mactan Cebu International Airport, Obote Ameme issued a stern warning to Rey “Boom-Boom” Bautista: You will not last more than five rounds.
Although he spoke little English, the message was clear.
Confident
“Ameme said that Bautista will not last five rounds. We have high respect for him because he is the champion, but Ameme believes he can win the title,” Ameme said with help from his manager and trainer Emmanuel Mlundwa, a 1980 Moscow Olympian.
The 27-year-old fighter from Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania stayed only overnight in Cebu before heading to Tagbilaran City, site of his Saturday title fight against Bautista, the WBO Asia-Pacific bantamweight champion.
“Ameme has never been any better than in this fight. In his previous international campaigns, we arrive only on the eve of the fight for the weigh-in. But now that we have enough time to rest. I believe Boom-Boom will be in trouble,” said Mlundwa.
Ameme took the same trip going to Tagbilaran City yesterday with WBO Asia-Pacific super-featherweight champion Victor Mausol of Indonesia, who will fight in the same card against Boholano challenger and ALA Gym prot?g? Czar Amonsot.
Sparring
The protagonists will make their first public appearance during a press preview at 5 p.m. today at the Island City Mall. Bautista will spar with Chris Alag, while Ameme will take on AJ Banal in another sparring session. Mausol will spar with Glenn Masicampo and Amonsot with John Carlos.
“I am the Thunder and I will be coming in for a knockout. I am here to fight not to run, so Boom-Boom better be prepared because I’m coming to get your belt,” said Ameme.
