Bautista, Barrera to settle old issue in 'Pinoy Pride 3' tonite

CEBU, Philippines - So much for the scathing word war, it's time to let the punches fly and the fists do the talking.

After trading verbal jabs, judgment day beckons for Rey "Boom Boom" Bautista and his Mexican rival Alejandro "Zorrito" Barrera to prove once and for all who is the better fighter between them when they clash anew in a highly-anticipated rematch headlining the "Pinoy Pride 3" tonight at the Pacific grand ballroom of Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

Primed up and a hundred percent ready for the battle, Bautista said he is hell-bent on proving his victory over Barrera five months ago was no fluke.

"Let's just see tomorrow (today) who is the more superior fighter between us," said the pride of Candijay, Bohol prior to the official weigh-in yesterday at The Event Centre of SM City-Cebu. "I can't say if I'm going to knock him out but if opportunity presents itself, I will."

The 24-year-old Bautista (29-2, 22KOs) beat Barrera (21-4, 14KOs) by controversial fourth round TKO during their August 28, 2010 showdown at Waterfront.

The match was stopped after Barerra sustained a gaping gash on his left eyelid at 1:14 of round four. Bautista was subsequently declared the winner after the referee ruled the cut was caused by a legitimate punch.

The handlers of Barrera strongly objected the decision and demanded for a return bout which they immediately got.

 Bautista himself admitted he was unhappy despite coming out victorious that night, not because he did not perform well enough to deserve it but because of the disapproving reaction of the spectators.

"It's unfulfilling that even if you won the match, you got booed by the crowd. It's understandable though because maybe the people were disappointed that they did not see what they expected from me," said the resurgent ALA Boxing Gym standout.

Bautista took it as a challenge, saying he will give his best shot to put up a good show and let Barrera know the caliber of a ring warrior he is.

"I'm physically and mentally prepared for this fight. I'll give all my best to come up with a very entertaining show," said Bautista." I can take his punches but I have to be extra cautious because he is also a skillful boxer. I won't rush things up and I have to be systematic in dealing with him inside the ring."

In the supporting main event of the explosive card jointly bankrolled by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports, WBO Asia-Pacific Youth lightweight champion Jason Pagara (24-1, 13KOs) will slug it out with Indonesian Billy Sumba (18-2, 4 KOs).

The other bouts to watch out for feature former WBC Silver flyweight champion Edrin “The Sting” Dapudong (20- 3, 11KOs) against Indonesian Sofyan “The Cobra” Effendi (10-10, 8KOs) and bantamweight prospect Roli Gasca (15-1, 3KOs) versus Joash Aparecio (7-3, 4KOs) of the Cagayan de Oro-based Sajulga Stable. (FREEMAN NEWS)