'Pinoy Pride 3: The rematch': Confident Barrera vows to flatten Bautista in five

CEBU, Philippines - If there is one thing Mexican Alejandro “Zorrito” Barrera learned after his first fight with Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista, that would be the ALA fighter’s 'glass chin' that he would exploit in their upcoming rematch this Saturday in the much-anticipated “Pinoy Pride 3” at the Pacific grand ballroom of Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

Appearing in front of Cebu Sports media after his arrival here in Cebu the other night, an extremely confident Barrera made a bold declaration that he will knock Bautista out, proving to the whole boxing community that the Bautista’s win in their first match was just a fluke.

“He (Bautista) has a glass chin and weak defense,” claimed Barrera in a press luncheon yesterday at the Mooon Café at the Asiatown I.T Park in Brgy. Apas, this city. “I came back here to win and I will knock him out in five rounds.”

Barrera also confirmed the news about the presence in his training of former Mexican champion Daniel Ponce de Leon, who serves as his sparmate in the course of his training for what is perceived by many an explosive return bout.

Ponce de Leon is best remembered by Pinoy ring fans as the tormentor of Bautista, handing the Pinoy warrior his first career loss in the main event of the "World Cup of Boxing" back in 2007 in Sacramento , California

“Alejandro’s sparring with De Leon was a lot of help,” said Barrera’s trainer Hugo Correa, who happens to be the teammate of De Leon during their Olympics stints. “Daniel knows how to knock Bautista out, that’s why we train for some headshots and hitting his chin.”

Though he admitted that he felt Bautista’s power in their first meeting last August, Barrera said it was nothing compared to what he experience in his no-holds-barred scrimmage with De Leon .

Meanwhile, Barrera, who once reigned as the former WBC continental Americas featherweight champion, will hold a public workout at 5 pm today at Parkmall.

The final press conference will be on Thursday at Waterfront, while the official weigh in will be on Friday at SM City Cebu atrium. (FREEMAN)