BATAWANG WARNS SOLIS: "IF I CATCH YOU, YOU'RE GOING DOWN!"
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 12 Sep 2007
Filipino Bert Batawang, training in earnest at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, yesterday sent a strong message to IBF light flyweight champ Ulises Solis whom he will challenge on October 4 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
"Basta tumama ako sa kanya, sisiguraduhin ko tutumba sya," Batawang was quoted as saying by a close associate who has been working on Batawang's conditioning.
Batawang added that he is now training with peace of mind, as his shot at Solis is now virtually a done deal.
Batawang, who has been training for almost three months in the US, reports to Freddie Roach's gym on a daily basis, and regularly spars with former Solis challenger Rodel Mayol, who has been giving him pointers on how to fight Solis.
"Kundisyon si Bert Batwang at maganda ang pangangatawa," said Team Pacquiao therapist Jeff De Guzman in a long-distance interview. "He really wants to fight so he can go home and attend his baby's baptism," added De Guzman.
Batawang, who has been hovering at 115 lbs, has also credited a strong support group that has been with him and trainer Jeremiah Quijano giving morale support, notably Dr. dela Vega, Sheriff, and De Guzman as well as Team Pacquiao member Nonoy Neri.
Batawang says he regularly calls his family back home, and assures them everything is fine and that he's fighting for them.
"Nag papasalamat ako kay Sir ALA, Sir Michael (Aldeguer) and Sir Sammy (Gello-ani) sa pagtitiwala sa akin at sa mga taong tumutulong dito. Makaasa po sila na gagawin ko lahat ang makakaya ko para sa karangalan ng bansa, at sa mga kababayan ko dyan sa Cebu," said Batawang.
The Filipino fighter also relishes the idea that finally, he will be able to see Las Vegas, and said that with God's blessing, he will be crowned a world champion in the world's fight capital.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
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