Oscar predicts long reign for Boom Boom

Even as rising star Rey (Boom Boom) Bautista is still not a world champion, legendary fighter Oscar de la Hoya says the ascent to the top is inevitable and predicts a long reign for the unbeaten Bohol teenager.

That’s the word from Bautista’s manager Tony Aldeguer who told The STAR yesterday plans for a title shot will be discussed after Boom Boom faces Mexican veteran Alejandro Montiel in the Manny Pacquiao-Oscar Larios undercard at the Araneta Coliseum on July 2.

Bautista, 19, is coming off a third round demolition of Nicaraguan Roberto Bonilla at the Staples Center in Los Angeles last May 20. It was Bautista’s first fight since signing a contract to be represented by de la Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions. The win raised his record to 20-0, with 15 KOs.

Aldeguer said Golden Boy officials are flying in for the Big Dome fights and will confer with him on plans for Bautista’s future.

"Boom Boom is one or two fights away from a title shot," said Aldeguer. "Depending on who’s available, he could challenge either (Daniel) Ponce de Leon or (Jhonny) Gonzalez."

Ponce de Leon is the World Boxing Organization (WBO) superbantamweight champion while Gonzalez is the WBO bantamweight titleholder.

"Boom Boom has matured a lot," said Aldeguer. "Against Bonilla, he never panicked. Bonilla rushed him at the start and he just took his time. He has learned to respect his opponents and control his emotions. The biggest factors in his improvement are his composure and maturity."

If there is a weakness in Bautista’s armor, it’s his lack of defense when moving in for the kill.

"He has a tendency to leave himself open when he’s coming in," said Aldeguer. "It’s something he has to work on in the gym. As for his power and footwork, no problem."

What has contributed to Bautista’s maturity is Freddie Roach’s guidance at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles where he trains.

"Freddie has given him a lot of confidence," said Aldeguer. "Boom Boom spars with champions like Julio Diaz and Israel Vazquez. And his opponents are not hand-picked. He learned a lot from (Gerardo) Espinoza who knocked him down. He gets better with every fight and he’s gaining a lot of experience."

Aldeguer said the secret to any fighter’s success is in his training. "If you expose a fighter to the best training, you boost his confidence to fight anyone and anywhere," continued Aldeguer. "Now, Boom Boom doesn’t care where he fights and whom he fights."

Aldeguer said Golden Boy’s royal treatment is a tribute not just to Bautista but to all Filipinos.

"Manny (Pacquiao) has opened the door for Filipinos to be recognized for their talents," said Aldeguer. "We owe that to Manny. Golden Boy is proud to represent Boom Boom and (Z) Gorres. They’re impressed with the way they conduct themselves and that is an honor for all Filipinos."

Aldeguer said Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Neri Lim has given all-out support for Bautista and other Bohol fighters like Czar Amonsot, along Denoy and hot prospect A. J. Banal.

"Mayor Lim is very proud of the Bohol fighters," said Aldeguer. "Attitude is what makes the Bohol fighters stand out. I’m hoping to tap Mayor Lim’s expertise as a lawyer to help in looking over contracts of my fighters. He is honest and has a big heart."

Aldeguer said he has signed only two contracts in his life–the marriage contract with his wife Lou and the contract for Golden Boy to represent Bautista and Gorres.

"I enjoy boxing and leave the business side of it to Sammy (Gello-ani) and my son Michael," said Aldeguer. "Now that the fighters are getting more attention from international promoters, we’ll need a lawyer to help us out and Mayor Lim’s advice would be extremely helpful."

Despite the adulation, Aldeguer said Bautista’s feet are firmly planted on the ground.

"When he came home after beating Espinoza, he got a little cocky," said Aldeguer. "But he now realizes you are more of a champion if you’re humble. His confidence is natural and I encourage it. I make it a point to talk to him, to keep him focused."

Although he’s supposed to rest a few days from the Bonilla fight, Bautista is back jogging and will start sparring to prepare for Montiel next week.