The reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia-Pacific bantamweight champion along with his manager/promoter Sammy Gello-Ani made the disclosure yesterday when they appeared in the weekly PSA Forum at the main function room of the Pantalan Restaurant in Manila.
"I think he needs three to four more non-title fights next year before we go for the regular (WBO) title bout. The nearest for him (to pursue) is the WBO title," said Gello-Ani in Filipino.
The 18-year-old Bautista, who wrested the WBO Asia-Pacific crown from Mexican Felix Flores Murillo after a sensational third round knockout last Sept. 10 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, is currently ranked no. 2 by the WBO.
The current champion, Ratanatchai Vorapan of Thailand is set to defend the WBO bantamweight title against top contender Johnny Gonzales of Mexico this Saturday, and Bautista said he is ready to face either of them.
But the young ring warrior is ready to take anybody but for now Bautista is setting his sights on defending his Asian-Pacific title against African Obote Ameme on Nov. 19 in his hometown in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.
The fight is promoted by Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Neri Lim, who was also in the forum together with boxing kingmaker and Bautista’s handler Antonio Aldeguer.
According to Bautista, he has no idea on the fighting style of Ameme, a native of Tanzania, but is certain that his veteran opponent is no pushover, having an impressive record of 27-9-0, with 22 wins coming by way of knockout.
"I haven’t seen him fight but I believe he’s strong based on his record. That’s why I will concentrate more on defense since he’s a big puncher," said Bautista in Filipino.
"I’ll give my best in this fight, I’ll train very hard. I can’t predict whether or not I can knock him out but I will try," said Bautista.
"We had a difficult time looking for an opponent for Rey because we wanted to get a fighter on his level so that we can gauge him. We selected this African from seven possible opponents," said Gello.