CEBU, Philippines - As promised, ALA Promotions will be bringing in the real Genaro 'Poblanito' Garcia for a fight here in the Philippine soil. Unfortunately, not against the Boholano ring star Rey "Boom Boom" Bautista.
ALA Promotions president Michael P. Aldeguer confirmed yesterday that the controversial Mexican boxer will be coming over to the country to show his punching stuff in the hotly-anticipated "Pinoy Pride XIV" topbilled by two-division world champion Donnie "Ahas" Nietes, who will defend his WBO light flyweight title against Mexico's Felipe Salguero.
Aldeguer, however, said Garcia will not go up against Bautista as the Mexican is booked to trade fistic bombs with the undefeated super bantamweight prospect Genesis "Azukal" Servania in the explosive card put up by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports on June 2 at the Resorts World Hotel and Casino in Manila.
"It's confirmed. We have received through international agent/matchmaker Sampson Lewkowicz the signed contract of the real Genaro "Poblanito" Garcia to fight Genesis Servania on June 2 in the undercard of Nietes. Garcia can only make 122 lbs. so a fight with Boom Boom at 126 lbs. was not possible," said Aldeguer.
'Poblanito' was originally contracted by ALA Promotions to slug it out with Bautista in the main event of the "Pinoy Pride XII:Bakbakan sa Bohol" last March 3 at the Carlos P. Garcia Sports Complex in Tagbilaran City.
However, the one sent by their Mexican contact Hugo Correa was a 'fake' one. The Genaro Garcia who came and fought Bautista had no fighting style and hardly showed signs he was a legitimate boxer to the dismay of the Boholano fans who came in droves to witness their hometown idol who last saw action in their backyard seven years ago.
With just a minute gone by from the opening bell, a throng of spectators at the general admission area already headed to the exit upon seeing that the hapless Mexican, who doesn't even know how to deliver a punch.
Bautista, the reigning IBF International featherweight champion, went on to deliver a big left to the paunch that sent Garcia flat on the mat early in the second round.
The Mexican quickly got up but a powerful right straight by Bautista again sent him down on both knees, prompting referee Bruce MacTavish to wisely wave off the bout at the 1:24 mark of the round.
This time, the Genaro Garcia who will be coming over and mix it up with Servania is the real one - a grizzled veteran who has fought eight world champions and sports an impressive 37-8 (21 KOs) record. (FREEMAN)