BATAWANG BATTLES SOLIS FOR IBF TITLE IN MEXICO
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 20 Nov 2007
Bert Batawang will finally get his long-deserved title shot against IBF champion Ulises Solis in Guadalajara, Mexico on December 8.
The 35 year old Batawang?s manager Sammy Gello-ani told Viva Sports/Manila that he had no real choice but to agree to fight in Mexico since his fighter was the challenger and had been disappointed with the many postponements. Besides, he was getting on in years although extremely fit because of his lifestyle.
Gello-ani disclosed that Batawang continues to train at the ALA Gym of his longtime associate Tony Aldeguer even though they have reportedly parted ways bringing to end a valued and highly successful association of some 30 years. Gello-ani said ?there is no problem with Mr. Aldeguer in Bert training at the ALA Gym.?
Last September well-known international matchmaker Sampson Lewkowicz said he believes the Philippines ?will have another champion? to add to the three world titles won recently by Florante Condes (IBF minimum weight) Nonito ?The Filipino Flash? Donaire (IBF/IBO flyweight) and Gerry Penalosa (WBO bantamweight).
Batawang will strive to avenge the defeat of Rodel Mayol who had Solis on the verge of a knockout in the sixth round of their title clash last August 4 but couldn?t finish off the champion who survived a knockdown and came back to score an eighth round TKO.
Solis who won the IBF light flyweight title on January 7, 2006 against Will Grigsby has had four successful defenses, the last being against Mayol and has a record of 25-1-2 with 19 knockouts.
Batawang, on the other hand has a record of 50-6 with 34 knockouts and has won his last five fights, three by TKO and two by KO. In his last fight Batawang scored a fourth round TKO over tough Indonesian Sofyan Efendi on February 24 this year.
Batawang stayed behind in Los Angeles with trainer Jeremiah Quijano hoping that the Solis fight would take place last September 16 and continued training at the Wild Card Gym of Freddie Roach. However, when the fight was postponed a downhearted Batawang returned home and continued working out at the ALA Gym.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
UNDEFEATED KNOCKOUT MONSTER VERGIL ORTIZ JR. DESTROYS ERICKSON LUBIN IN SECOND-ROUND
Sun, 09 Nov 2025Manny Pacquiao Arrives in LA to Oversee Son Jimuel's Highly Anticipated Pro Debut
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 09 Nov 2025Robert Racasa Shines for the Philippines on First Day of World Memory Championships
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 09 Nov 2025P20k for 42k winners in 3rd SDSPPO
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 09 Nov 2025Weights Set for Tomorrow’s Sanman Boxing Show in General Santos City
Sat, 08 Nov 2025Vergil Ortiz vs. Erickson Lubin: Can Lubin Tip the Ortiz/Ennis Apple Cart?
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 08 Nov 2025Gibbons’ ‘Thrilla’ regrets
By Joaquin Henson, Sat, 08 Nov 2025Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Erickson Lubin Set for Explosive Showdown in Fort Worth
Sat, 08 Nov 2025Ring Officials Announced for Michael Hunter Vs Eli Frankham - York Hall, 5th December
Sat, 08 Nov 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Baseball in the Sulaimán Family
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Sat, 08 Nov 2025Shields signs $8 million multi year contract with Salita Promotions
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 08 Nov 2025A TIBUTE TO VICTOR CONTE
Sat, 08 Nov 2025Lhuillier Lauds RP Blu Boys’ Triumph in Japan Tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 08 Nov 2025FIDE Rated Chess Tournament Pasig Police Board Patrol Checkpoint Challenge
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 08 Nov 2025MANNY PACQUIAO VS. FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. ONCE AGAIN
By Maloney L. Samaco, Fri, 07 Nov 2025