"Bautista has been pitted by Top Rank against knockout artist Felix Flores-Murillo of Colombia in an eight-round supporting bout," Bautista’s manager Antonio Aldeguer relayed to The Freeman moments after Top Rank announced the complete card.
The blockbuster double-header features Pacquiao against Mexican Hector Velasquez and Morales opposite former USA Olympic Zahir Raheem. If Pacquiao and Morales both win, they will figure in an expected grudge rematch either in December this year or in January 2006.
"We’re loaded with intriguing bouts leading to Erik and Manny’s fights at Staples," said Top Rank big boss Bob Arum, who will make a formal announcement of the "Double Trouble" card in a press conference this morning at the Max’s of Manila in Glendale.
Bautista, the reigning WBO Asia-Pacific bantamweight champion, will make his maiden ring appearance in US mainland. He has already fought in Hawaii last March where he dismantled Thai Aree Phosuwangym in just two rounds at the Neal Blaisedell Arena.
The 19-year-old Bautista, who parades an impressive 16-0 win-loss record spiked with 12 KOs since turning pro two years ago, is now currently in the thick of torrid preparation under Trainer of the Year awardee Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood.
Bautista, who hails from Candijay, Bohol, was initially scheduled to take on Mexican Samuel Lopez on Aug. 19 at the Stockton Ballpark in Stockton, California, but his US agent Michael Koncz and Aldeguer cancelled it in favor of the more lucrative September date.
As published by Fightfax, the dangerous Colombian hitman carries a 13-4-1 win-loss-draw record, with 11 victories via stoppage.
Fil-Am Brian Viloria will also appear in the same card against WBC light flyweight champion Eric Ortiz in a 12-round title fight. — Freeman News Service