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..
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