Boxing promoter Rod Nazario said the other day he’s agreeable to put up at least P500,000 for superbantamweight Rey (Boom Boom) Bautista to take on Aljoe Jaro’s protégé Bernabe Concepcion in a battle for supremacy anywhere in the Philippines this February.
“I dare Bautista to fight Concepcion ,” said Nazario. “I have a lot of respect for Boom Boom but I want to see him tested against Concepcion. I hope to start negotiations after Boom Boom fights (Antonio) Meza in a few weeks. It will all depend on how Boom Boom does against Meza.”
Meza, a Mexican warrior, is no slouch with a 23-2 record, including 16 KOs. Bautista, 21, takes on Meza in the main event of a blockbuster Araneta Coliseum card entitled “Payback” on Dec. 2. It’s the Filipino fan favorite’s first bout since losing to WBO titlist Daniel Ponce de Leon in Sacramento last August. Bautista’s purse for the Meza fight is P1 Million.
Nazario said both Bautista and Concepcion are destined for big things in the fight game. But he has doubts on whether Bautista is suited in the 122-pound division.
“Boom Boom was in Z Gorres’ category before but moved up so both of them could fight in different divisions,” said Nazario. “Maybe, Boom Boom should consider dropping down to bantamweight. He looked small compared to Ponce de Leon. Concepcion is a natural superbantamweight. If Tony (Aldeguer) agrees, we could put Boom Boom to the test against Concepcion.”
Fans, however, would rather Bautista and Concepcion go their separate ways to campaign for world titles. There is room after all for both to excel.
As for Bautista, he’s in deep training for Meza.
Third Force promoter Noli Eala said he expects a strong turnout for the Big Dome event which reels off at 10 a.m. to catch the US prime time TV audience. Also in the card are A. J. Banal, Michael Domingo and Milan Melindo. Eala is bringing in beauteous ring announcer Amy Hayes from Kentucky to add spice to the show.
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In the Mall of Asia last Wednesday, WBO Asia-Pacific superfeatherweight titlist Jimrex Jaca and Japanese knockout artist Ryu Miyagi fought to a first round technical draw. An accident clash of heads left Miyagi with a gaping wound on the forehead, spewing blood like water from a faucet.
In their first meeting last August, Jaca was decked twice and Miyagi once in a furious first round at the same venue. In the second round, Jaca was almost out on his feet when referee Bruce McTavish called it a night with the Filipino bleeding from a cut over his left eye, purportedly from an accidental headbutt. The controversial ending prompted the rematch.
Now, it looks like Jaca and Miyagi are headed for a third encounter.
“I paid Miyagi $1,500 for the first fight and $3,500 for the second with three plane tickets,” said Salud who promoted both bouts. “I’m sure he’ll ask for more money to fight Jaca again. I’m willing to go up to $4,000 but that’s it.”
Jaca appeared ill-prepared for the first meeting but last Wednesday, he was ready to rumble, unleashing deadly combinations and running circles around Miyagi. Jaca was in control of the fight when the action was stopped at 2:36 of the first by referee Teddy Alivio.
Miyagi, 32, has scored 12 KOs, nine inside two rounds, in compiling a record of 16-1-4 since 1998.