'BOOM BOOM' BAUTISTA FACES MEXICAN TODAY
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 24 Dec 2005
With his stock in international boxing put at stake, undefeated knockout star Rey "Boom Boom" Bautista of the Philippines risks his reputation today against rugged Mexican Gerardo Espinoza at the Sycuan Resort and Casino in El Cajon,California, USA.
The bout pits the 18-year-old Bautista (18-0, 14 KO's), the pride of Bohol, against the 25-year-old Espinoza (28-9, 26 KO's), who came from the same neighborhood as Erik Morales in Tijuana, Mexico.
The tall and lanky Espinoza, nicknamed "Locomotora", was a one-time WBO world bantam challenger, and once reigned as the WBO North American Boxing Organization superbantam and bantam titlist. He had also won the WBA Fedecentro superbantamweight crown three years ago.
In terms of experience, Espinoza seems to have an edge, having been with some big names such as undefeated and highly-ranked Jose Miguel Aguiniga, ex-world champions Mauricio Martinez and Cruz Carbajal, and current IBF and pound-for-pound bantamweight champion Rafael Marquez.
Bautista, however, is unfazed, and told Fightnews, "I?m not worried about the experience edge he has on me because I?m well prepared for this fight and I feel I?m ready for this step up in competition."
At yesterday's official weigh-in, Bautista came in at 118 3/4 lbs, while Espinoza checked in at 120 lbs.
Bautista's manager, Cebu sportsman Tony Aldeguer, had indicated that renowned trainer Freddie Roach will personally work his ward's corner today, assisted by Filipino trainer Edito "Ala" Villamor and conditioning coach Justin Fortune.
Before flying to the United States, Bautista had logged in sparring rounds at the ALA Gym in Cebu against RP bantam champ Michael Domingo, superbantam Pedro Malco, superfly Sherwin Paro and Danny Boy Bontilao.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
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