Bautista stakes WBO crown vs. Mexican toughie tonight

DAVAO CITY , Philippines  - Rey "Boom Boom" Bautista (34-2, 25KOs) hopes to further cement his road to another world title shot as he defends his WBO International featherweight crown against Mexican Jose ‘Negro’ Ramirez (24-3, 17KOs) in the main event of the keenly-awaited ‘Pinoy Pride XIX: Mexican Invasion’ fightcard tonight at the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) gymnasium here.

Following the back-to-back defeats of Filipino ring stars Brian Viloria and Nonito Donaire, the 26-year-old Bautista believes that someone has to step up and keep the Pilippine flag flying high in the world stage of boxing.

“I consider this fight very important and I want to show them that the old Boom Boom is back,” said Bautista during the official weigh-in yesterday at the SM City Davao. “I don’t feel any pressure. I feel pumped up because I now have a chance to get a win for our country.”

The pride of Candijay, Bohol said he would be looking for a knockout win, but he is prepared and ready if ever the bout goes the full 12-round distance.

“Ramirez said he is going to knock me out. Well, I am also looking for a knockout win for the fans," said Bautista. "But I am also ready if the fight will last 12 rounds.”

Bautista, who is on an eight-fight winning streak, will make the first defense of the WBO regional belt he seized with a split decision victory over Mexican Daniel Ruiz on October 20 last year at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

ALA Promotions President and CEO Michael P. Aldeguer, for his part, is extremely confident that Bautista would get past his Mexican foe and show to everyone that he is ready for another crack at world championship glory.

“He (Bautista) has been through a lot. He has recovered from injuries, now we will see a 100 percent Bautista,” said Aldeguer.

In the supporting main event of the slambang show presented by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports, OPBF flyweight champion Rocky ‘Road Warrior’ Fuentes (34-6, 20KOs) will slug it out with Mexican knockout artist Juan ‘Loquito’ Kantun (20-3, 15KOs).

"It would be better if he fights toe-to-toe with me so we can see who will be the one to fall on the canvass,” said Fuentes.

In another highly-anticipated battle between two undefeated Filipino boxers, 'King' Arthur Villanueva (20-0, 11KOs) will put his OPBF super flyweight title on the line against Marco Demecillo-Singwangcha of Rex "Wakee" Salud Stable (18-0-1, 14KOs).  (FREEMAN)