DE LA HOYA IMPRESSED BY "BOOM BOOM" BAUTISTA
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 04 Jan 2007
Oscar De La Hoya is impressed by emerging ring sensation Rey "Boom Boom" Bautista who is scheduled to headline the blockbuster Philippines-Mexico World Cup of boxing when he battles WBO super bantamweight champion Daniel Ponce De Leon in a title fight on March 4.
In an overseas telephone conversation with Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today, De La Hoya said he read an article (which was written by Rommel Manlosa of Sun Star, Cebu, carried by Philboxing.com) in which Bautista explained how he lives, his beliefs and how he has grown up and how boxing taught him to be a man.
De La Hoya said that based on the article he realized that the undefeated youngster with 21 wins, 16 by knockout was "a great example of what a fighter should be. He is a humble fighter and has learned from other people's mistakes." The recognized Golden Boy of boxing said "I am sure he knows about my career and he knows about Manny Pacquiao's career and he learns from that." De La Hoya said "I am glad that Bautista, although he's only 20 years old is a mature young man who is going very, very far."
Discussing his planned trip to the Philippines, De La Hoya said he was right now looking at his schedule because he has a major fight in May against Floyd Mayweather, Jr. but expects to arrive in a few weeks to formally announce the staging of the World Cup. De La Hoya said he was "looking forward to visiting the Philippines and really embracing and being next to the fans and to really make this World Cup a big success."
Among the remarks of Bautista that impressed many people aside from De La Hoya was his answer to the question, what are the lessons you learned from boxing? Bautista said "I learned to become wise. Boxing took away my inferiority complex because I met a lot of people. I learned to talk to them straight. I learned to talk to many people That did not happen when I was a boy. I learned to dress up better. I learned to manage myself well, especially my earnings and I learned to behave like a gentleman."
Asked who is Rey Bautista now, the undefeated youngster replied "I am still the same Rey Bautista. The same Rey Bautista who used to gather firewood to sell, the same Rey Bautista who used to work hard in the rice fields. I still live an ordinary life." In terms of his inspirations Bautista said "I do all this hard work because of my father, mother, my brothers and sisters, They are the ones who motivated me and inspired me to push myself beyond limits. Want to give honor to our family name."
Bautista also cited respected boxing patron Tony Aldeguer "who unselfishly gave his best support to make me what I am today. He is longing to have a world champion from his own gym and I will try hard to give the world title to him." He also mentioned his fans "who keep on believing in me" as another inspiration.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
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