Bert “Ninja” Batawang vowed to sustain the domination of the Filipino fighters over the Mexicans when he challenges IBF light flyweight champion Ulises “Archie” Solis tomorrow (Sunday morning RP time) at the Audirotio Benito Juarez in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.
“ I would continue the mastery of the Philippines over Mexico,” said Batawang during the pre-fight news conference. The 35-year-old ring veteran was obviously referring to the Boxing World Cup last August in Sacramento, California where the Philippines defeated Mexico, 5-1, to take home the US$250,000 trophy.
Solis replied that he doesn’t keep track of the bouts featuring the Filipinos against Mexicans, but if he did, “Batawang will be the second consecutive Filipino I’m going to beat.”
Solis previously retained his belt with an eight-round stoppage of Cebuano Rodel “Batang Mandaue” Mayol last August 4 at the All-State Arena in Rosemount, Illinois.
It was Solis’ fifth defense of the IBF title he won by beating American Will Grigsby by unanimous decision on January 7 last year at the Madison Square Garden in New York.
Solis holds a 25-1 win-loss record spiked with 19KOs, while Batawang, who is managed by international promoter Sammy Gello-ani of SGG Sports Promotions, parades a 50-6 win-loss card dotted with 34KOs. – EBV