Bautista ready for ring return

From holding a clandestine training in his hometown Bohol to making a public appearance in a big event then gracing a press conference, all indications suggest that Boholano ring star Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista is ready to return to the ring and open a new chapter in his budding career.

Bautista had been away from the limelight since his shocking first-round knockout loss to WBO super bantamweight champion Daniel Ponce de Leon in the main attraction of the Boxing World Cup last August 12 at the Arco Arena in Sacramento, California.

But on Sunday evening, there were no traces of defeat painted on his face as a confident and bubbly Bautista showed up during the thanksgiving dinner/victory party of Manny Pacquiao hosted by the city government of Cebu at the Victoria ballroom of Parklane International Hotel.

Boom Boom was joined by the full ALA Stable force led by manager Michael Aldeguer, trainer Edito Villamor, and IBF Intercontinental super flyweight champion Z “The Dream” Gorres, WBO Youth jr bantamweight titlist AJ “Bazooka” Banal, WBO Asia-Pacific minimumweight crown-holder Milan Melindo, RP bantamweight champion Michael Domingo, and RP light welterweight champion Mark Jason Melligen.

Yesterday, the 20-year-old Bautista (23-1, 17KOs) graced the news conference drumming up his December 2 ring comeback against WBC Fecombox 122-pound champion Antonio Meza (23-2, 16KOs) of Mexico at the Araneta Coliseum.

“I’m thankful to my fans who did not lose faith in me inspite of what happened to me in my previous fight. They inspired me to work and train harder to reach my goals of becoming a world champion someday,” said Bautista in a long distance telephone interview.

“I’ve learned my lesson well. I’m still young and I’m still full of hopes and aspirations.  I’ll make my upcoming fight on December 2 as a stepping stone to brighter things ahead in my career,” added Bautista, who is looking forward to exacting vengeance at De Leon.

For his manager Michael Aldeguer, the Meza fight will determine what future holds for the youthful Candijay, Bohol fighter.

“It’s going to be a big test for him since that setback (against Ponce de Leon). It’s a vengeance fight for him and Boom Boom must show he still has what it takes to become a world champion someday,” said Aldeguer.

Villamor, on the other hand, feels that Bautista is primed up for a grand ring comeback. “His spirit remains high after his defeat to Ponce de Leon. He’s slowly getting back his confidence and I feel he’s ready to return to the ring,” the highly esteemed ALA strategist said.