'Boom Boom' ready for grudge rematch

MANILA, Philippines - Comebacking featherweight Rey (Boom Boom) Bautista will attempt to make it five wins in a row since losing a lopsided decision to Heriberto Ruiz at the expense of his Mexican tormentor in a grudge rematch at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu City this Saturday.

Bautista, 24, has neither forgiven nor forgotten Ruiz for staining his record in Las Vegas in 2008. Ruiz pounded out a unanimous eight-round decision on scores of 80-70, 78-72 and 74-73, leaving Bautista in a state of self-doubt. After the loss, Bautista took an 11-month layoff to recover from surgery to replace a shattered bone in his left wrist then returned to the ring with a vengeance.

Last January, Bautista disposed of Mexico’s Alejandro Barrera in 2:56 of the third round to deliver a strong message that he’s back on track in his quest for a world crown.

“Boom Boom looked good in his last fight because it was the first time he has not felt pain in his wrist,” said ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer who manages Bautista. “He has matured a lot after what he has gone through. Not a lot of people know that he first felt pain in his wrist two weeks before the (Daniel) Ponce de Leon fight but it became more obvious after this loss to Ruiz. We didn’t want to make the injury a reason for his two losses and that’s what motivates Boom Boom to prove his detractors wrong now that his injury is completely healed.”

Bautista suffered his first-ever loss to Ponce de Leon in a bid for the WBO superbantamweight crown in Sacramento in 2007. He was knocked out in the opening round.

Since beating Bautista, Ruiz has compiled a 6-3 record, with five KOs. One of the defeats was a split decision to Canada’s Steve Molitor. The Mexican would like nothing better than to prove his win over Bautista was no fluke. At stake in the rematch is the IBF International featherweight title.

“Boom Boom is hoping to break into the world ratings again,” said Aldeguer. “He’s still young and we don’t want to rush him as he is now mentally and physically more mature. He wants a rematch with Ponce de Leon, too. He’ll stay at 126 pounds as he is more comfortable at this weight. We believe that Boom Boom will be ready to fight for a world title in two years.”

What has inspired Bautista is the unwavering crowd support from his Cebu fans despite the setbacks.

“Boom Boom is at his best now physically, mentally and emotionally,” Aldeguer went on. “He felt good and had tears in his eyes after the Barrera fight because of the crowd support at the jampacked Waterfront. The atmosphere was unbelievable. It was like a title fight. The crowd stood up the whole time cheering for Boom Boom.”

But Ruiz, 33, isn’t likely to succumb to the hometown pressure.  He wants just as badly to win as Bautista.

“Beating Bautista again will be tough but I know I have what it takes to beat him,” said Ruiz. “I did it before and I’ll do it again. He’s my stepping stone for another crack at the world title.” Ruiz has been thwarted in two title shots – in 2004, he was halted in the third round by Rafael Marquez in an IBF bantamweight title fight and five years later, bowed to Jackson Akisu on an eighth stoppage for the vacant IBO featherweight crown in Australia.

Ruiz has experience on his side with 379 rounds under his belt compared to Bautista’s 154. Bautista was only eight years old when Ruiz turned pro in 1994. The Mexican was the first to beat Sydney Olympic bronze medalist Clarence (Untouchable) Vinson and holds wins over former world champions Cristobal Cruz, Jorge Lacierva and Victor Rabanales. He has battled ex-world titlists Eric Morel and Irene Pacheco and is coming off back-to-back KO wins over Jose Camacho and Jesus Velarde.

Ruiz has a 46-10-2 record, with 28 KOs. Bautista’s record is 30-2, with 23 KOs. Boom Boom turned pro in 2003, nine years after Ruiz’ debut, and is on a roll, knocking out his last four opponents. Bautista’s KO rate is 76.7 percent compared to Ruiz’ 60.1 percent. Both are known to be heavy hitters.

The referee for the fight will be Danrex Tapdasan with Bruce McTavish, Rey Danseco and Muhammad Rois the judges.