WBO exec says Ameme tough test for Bautista

World Boxing Organization Asia-Pacific president Leon Panoncillo said Obote Ameme is a formidable fighter and that the Tanzanian "Thunder" is out to give reigning WBO AsPac bantamweight champion Rey "Boom Boom" Bautista a tough test when the two pugs clash in a blockbuster showdown on Nov. 19 at the Carlos P. Garcia Sports Complex in Tagbilaran City.

"I have ordered Rey Bautista to defend his title against Obote Ameme because he (Ameme) is more than deserving as a challenger. It will be a big test for Bautista because he is facing a fighter who is strong and tough," said Panoncillo, who handpicked Ameme to battle Bautista.

But Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Neri Lim remained confident Bautista will demolish the East African warrior before adoring Boholanos.

"If ever Bautista has to lose a fight — I would rather that it happens here in Bohol among his paisanos, but I believe that the Pride of Bohol will not let this happen. I predict Boom-Boom to win," said Lim, who is instrumental for putting up the multi-million show in partnership with the province of Bohol led by Gov. Erico Aumentado and the Sandugo Foundation.

The 27-year-old Ameme, a well-traveled ring gladiator having fought in Thailand, Spain, and Australia sports a 27-9 win-loss record with 22 wins by knockout.

Aside from his deadly power, the seven-year veteran Ameme also boasts of a vast experience as he had already fought against top caliber opponents in the likes of WBO bantamweight titlist Ratanachai Sor Vorapin, two-time world challenger Nedal Huseein, and PABA crown-holder Poonsawat Kratingdaengym.

Bautista, on the other hand, has also posted big wins overseas in his two-year pro career.

The Candijay, Bohol boxing gem racked up sensational victories in the United States, Thailand, Hawaii, South Korea, Indonesia, and Japan to accumulate a 17-0 win-loss record spiked with 13KOs.