BOOM BOOM ON THE ROAD TO ?PAYBACK?
By Maloney L. Samaco
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 30 Oct 2007
Rey ?Boom Boom? Bautista is on the road to ?Payback? when he battles Antonio ?Barrio? Meza on December 2 at the Araneta Coliseum. The 21-year-old Boholano will defend his WBO Inter-Continental superbantamweight title against the Mexicali, Mexico fighter.
Bautista needs an opponent whom he can use to recover and make as a stepping stone on the way back to stardom. Just like what Vic Darchinyan (29-1, 23 KOs) did to another Cebu-based fighter Federico Catubay (20-14, 11KOs). The TKO win installed Darchinyan back to prominence after the great upset to Nonito Donaire.
Bautista is renowned as a power puncher and is very capable of sending his adversaries to the canvas. That?s the reason why he's often compared to world icon Manny Pacquiao. However, he still lacks the sturdiness which was uncovered in his bout against the more seasoned WBO superbantamweight king Daniel Ponce de Leon.
Boom Boom is aching to redeem himself from the astonishing first-round knockout loss at the hands of Ponce De Leon in the main event of the recent World Cup held in Sacramento, California in which he gave the only blemish in the record of the Philippines? victory over arch-rival Mexico.
Meza is the reigning Federaci?n de Comisiones de Box de la Rep?blica Mexicana (Fecombox) champion. He won over his last five opponents which include mediocre boxers Romel Aguilar (10-6-4), Luis Perez Vicente (18-22-0), Rodolfo Garay (6-8-0), Guadalupe Hernandez (3-9-0), and Giovanni Urbina (6-11-0), all of Mexico.
Bautista, a native of Candijay has already held the WBO Intercontinental and WBO Youth super bantamweight titles. He has shown the talent not only to knock out his opponents with either hand, but also to box proficiently over the 12 round championship distance, which many young fighters cannot duplicate.
As an amateur boxer, he won a gold medal in the 2002 National Youth Open in Cebu City, and being awarded as the Best Boxer in the amateur championships.
In 2006, Bautsita made a big flaunt on the boxing world when he knocked out Roberto Bonilla in just three rounds at Staples Center in Los Angeles in May, and stopping 61 fight veteran Giovanni Andrade in just four rounds at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, Florida.
Antonio Aldeguer denied they are making it easy for Boom Boom to stage a comeback and hit a payback. He defended the choice of Meza stating the Mexican is no pushover having a record of 23-2-0 (16 KOs) and is a southpaw.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
"When one goes to war we all go to war!" – Owen Corrigan challenges Mad Dog Micah Rivetti for Light Heavyweight title May 29 in Perth – Thunderdome 54
Tue, 14 Apr 2026Crocs FC wins 3 titles in Football sa Bayan
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 14 Apr 2026Chess Kings Ready to Battle in Pacquiao 3x3 Chess Team Tournament at Lica Malls 500 Shaw
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 14 Apr 2026Manguyab to debut in RFL
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 14 Apr 2026Simsri Crushes Mendoza, Retains IBF 108-lbs Title; Could A Filipino Challenger Fight Simsri Next? (Analysis)
By Carlos Costa, Tue, 14 Apr 2026Manny Pacquiao and Jas Mathur via Manny Pacquiao Promotions Announce Nine-Figure Team Boxing League Partnership, Launching Manny Pacquiao’s San Diego TJ’s Franchise
Tue, 14 Apr 2026Pabular loses by a split decision
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 14 Apr 2026DFBC dominates in Invitational Doubles
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 14 Apr 2026Santisima Faces Undefeated Grigoryan for IBF Asia Title in Russia
Tue, 14 Apr 2026Jenn Perella excited to be fighting in front of family & friends on ‘Rumble at the Rink II’
Tue, 14 Apr 2026Angel Barrientes Training Camp Notes
Mon, 13 Apr 2026DFBC sweeps Dubai Filipino bowlfest
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 13 Apr 2026Middleweight Contender Vito Mielnicki Jr. Dominates Omar Huerta in Main Event at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City & Live on ProBoxTV
Mon, 13 Apr 2026Sergio Martinez returns with a victory at 51
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Mon, 13 Apr 2026Team USA Secures Three Gold Medals on Final Day of 2026 Gee Bee Boxing Tournament
Mon, 13 Apr 2026