Batawang braces for Solis rematch
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 15 Feb 2010
It was on December 15, 2007, in Guadalajara, Mexico, that Bert ?The Ninja? Batawang lost in his only bid for a world title. He faced the tough Mexican IBF lt.flyweight champ Ulises Solis and lost by 9th round TKO.
Solis is now an ex-champ, while Batawang has revenge on his mind. The 38 year old ?Ninja? is scheduled to fight Solis again in Mexico this March 6.
Batawang has been training intensely for a month now, sparring three times a week and jogging every day in Cebu City along Banawa or Lahug. Currently assisting him in his training is his brother Robert and Danny Bactol.
?I usually run 30 to 35 minutes, but during Sundays I run for an hour.? Batawang said. ?We?ve gradually increased the number of rounds during our sparring sessions. We started with just 4 rounds, then increasing up to six then eight.?
Batawang reached eight rounds in his sparring session Saturday afternoon at the IPI Gym in Mandaue City. He is upbeat about his chances this time. He is already familiar with Solis and realizes the mistakes he made the last time.
?I also wasn?t focused the last time. I wasn?t sure the fight would push through.?
Batawang (45 W -14 L- 3 D , 37 KO?s) is a twenty year pro and an enduring crowd pleaser in Cebu boxing. He has won the Philippine light flyweight, WBA Pan-African and WBO Oriental light flyweight titles. Last November, he won the vacant WBO Asia Pacific lt.flyweight title by stopping Jack Amisa of Indonesia in 5 rounds in Linyi, China. The grizzled road warrior has previously fought in Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, Mexico and South Africa.
But for how long can he still go on fighting?
?I?ll take it one fight at a time. Of course, it?s also up to promoter Sammy Gello-ani. But if I feel I can?t fight anymore, I will tell him.?
But the 28 year old Solis (29W- 2L-2D, 20 KO?s) is a formidable opponent. He was a champion for three years before he lost his title to Brian Viloria by 11th round KO last year. Solis successful title defenses, aside from Batawang, included the likes of Glen Donaire and Rodel Mayol. Solis? last fight was in September 2009, winning by unanimous decision over Dirceu Cabarcu.
Batawang is promised a title shot against Carlos Tamara if he beats Solis. Filipino fight fans would love to see another Filipino get a crack at Tamara after he dethroned Viloria in their IBF world title fight last January in Pasay City.
(Photo below of Bert Batawang (left) sparring at the IPI Gym in Mandaue City)
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Jerwin Ancajas Set for IBF Mandatory Eliminator Against Former World Champ Ryosuke Nishida; Winner Fights Naoya Inoue
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 11 Sep 2025“Night of Champions” Returns to Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando on September 19
Thu, 11 Sep 2025Local Favorite Bryce Mills Tops First Boxing Card At del Lago Resort & Casino
Thu, 11 Sep 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaiman: It´s Fightweek Fight: Canelo vs. Crawford
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Wed, 10 Sep 2025Casimero comeback next month in Kyrgyzstan?
By Nick Giongco, Wed, 10 Sep 2025Team USA Concludes Day Six of 2025 World Boxing Championships
Wed, 10 Sep 2025Andrade, Garras rule Milo marathon in Tagum
Wed, 10 Sep 2025CROCKER-DONOVAN II: INSIDE LOOK AT FIRST FACE-OFF IN BELFAST
Wed, 10 Sep 2025Former Panamanian WBA champ Jorge Lujan hospitalized
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 10 Sep 2025Southern Sports Heroes Night on Sept. 28
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 10 Sep 2025ABAP feels WB’s growing pains
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 10 Sep 2025Laurente is new Philippine super featherweight champ
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 10 Sep 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 8 SEPTEMBER 2025: Nunez Outpoints Diaz; Iglesias Stops Shishkin; Valdez, Conlan Register Wins in Return
By Eric Armit, Tue, 09 Sep 2025Dante Kirkman Stays Undefeated Triumphing with Dominant Unanimous Decision Win
Tue, 09 Sep 2025Dream fight for Steven Sumpter vs. Undefeated Bek Nurmaganbet This Wednesday at Fontainebleau Las Vegas during ‘Canelo vs. Crawford’ Week
Tue, 09 Sep 2025