Bautista gets pointers from Freddie Roach
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 31 May 2005
Renowned trainer Freddie Roach has given pointers to his protege, WBO Asia-Pacific bantam champion Rey “Boom-Boom” Bautista, as the latter embarks on his biggest fight against the Mexican hitman Gilberto Bolanos topbilling the "El Gran Combate" card on June 11 at the Mandaue Cultural and Sports Complex.
No one is more authoritative as to the looming battle than the 2003 Trainer of the Year as he had seen both the 18-year-old champion Bautista and the iron-fisted Bolanos in separate outings in the past.
The prodigious Bautista had trained under the tutelage of Roach who personally handled his training chores for over two weeks which gave the latter a first hand knowledge of the youthful champion.
Roach had also served as the cornerman of NABO Bantam champion Karen Harutyunyan when the Armenian was stopped by Bolanos in the 7th round in Montebello, California.
As such, Roach who is known to be a man of few words, made an assessment and stated that, “Bolanos is a game and tough opponent who comes straight at you,” and added further, ”Bautista should watch out for his head (Bolanos) as he frequently uses it to head butt his opponent.”
Nothing less than a free-wheeling action is therefore expected when Bautista trades leathers with the first-ever Mexican to set foot on Cebu soil.
While the last title defense of the Candijay, Bohol-native Bautista against the South African warrior Vuyisile Bebe lasted the full 12-round distance, Roach himself admits that the Bautista-Bolanos fight would not go beyond the fifth round.
“Both Bautista and Bolanos pack a wallop and either one can end the fight with a single blow. The one with the better defense will come out the victor,” assessed Roach who picks Bautista to win.
Interest on the momentous fight has reached beyond the shore of the island as international boxing pundits are coming to watch with WBO Asia-Pacific Vice President Leon Panoncillo and Las Vegas representative Michael Koncz heading the list of dignitaries and a group from Korea and Singapore have also made reservations to witness the fight.
Promoter Gello-ani would wish to advice therefore the fans to get their tickets earlier to avoid the mad rush at the ticket booth as what happened the last time.
Tickets are now available at the USA Sports boutiques in Ayala and SM and at the Life Prolong Office, TPE Building at Banilad and for Bohol fans at the Island Souvenirs outlet at the Island City Mall in Tagbilaran City and ALA Boxing Gym at Taloto.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
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