Montiel was tapped by Golden Boy Promotions to replace Bautista’s original foe Feider Viloria who had visa problems leaving Colombia. The Mexican has a 29-8 record with 15 KOs, including six in the first round. Montiel, 25, turned pro in 1999 and had won four in a row before losing a decision to Jesus Iribe in his last fight.
Bautista, 20, poked fun at Viloria for failing to show up but was dead serious in vowing a rude welcome for Montiel who’s fighting for the first time outside Mexico.
"I think Viloria got lost on the way here and is probably now somewhere in Africa," said Bautista in Pilipino. "I don’t know a thing about my new opponent. I haven’t seen him fight but I don’t care. I’m prepared to do my best. I’ll do what it takes to win because I can’t afford to lose."
Bautista is in line to face unbeaten Argentinian Sergio Manuel Medina in a WBO superbantamweight championship eliminator in the undercard of the Oscar de la Hoya-Floyd Mayweather mainer in Las Vegas on May 5. A loss to Montiel would strike Bautista out of the bill.
"This is a very unusual and important fight for me," said Bautista. "It’s a must-win for me but I don’t feel the pressure. I’ve trained hard. I won’t be overconfident. I will rely on my speed and power. I’ve worked on new things in the gym in offense and defense. I’ll have some surprises for the fans and my opponent."
Cebu-based businessman Tony Aldeguer, whose son Michael manages Bautista, said there’s no stopping "Boom Boom" on his way to the top.
"He has matured a lot," said Aldeguer. "In the past, he would just slug it out and look for a quick knockout. Now, he studies his opponent’s defense first and figures out how to break it down. He’ll go jab-straight-jab if his opponent fights from outside and he’ll dig uppercuts to the body if he’s inside."
Bautista wouldn’t predict how the fight will end tomorrow but said the fans won’t be disappointed with his performance.
"I’m dedicating this fight to the fans, especially my provincemates in Bohol," said Bautista whose record is 21-0, with 16 KOs "I had a six-month rest last year because I got sick and had a shoulder injury but I never got out of shape. I’m ready to fight for the title. I’ll fight anyone Golden Boy wants me to fight."
WBO superbantamweight champion Daniel Ponce de Leon of Mexico is staking his crown against Filipino Gerry Peñalosa in Las Vegas on March 17. If Peñalosa wins, he will relinquish the throne and drop down to the bantamweight division, giving Bautista an opening to fight for the vacant title. If Peñalosa loses, Ponce de Leon will be the target. Bautista, however, has to beat Montiel then Medina to clinch the crack at the crown.