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.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Press Conference Notes: San Diego Favorite Emanuel Navarrete Set to Reignite Mexico-Philippines Rivalry against Charly Suarez
Fri, 09 May 2025SALITA PROMOTIONS PRESENTS: UNDISPUTED HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CLARESSA SHIELDS vs. LANI DANIELS SATURDAY, JULY 26 * LITTLE CAESARS ARENA
Fri, 09 May 2025Unbeaten Anthony Velazquez pitched shutout at home in Springfield
Fri, 09 May 2025TYSON FURY VOTED THE MOST ENTERTAINING BOXER IN THE WORLD, ACCORDING TO BRITISH FANS
Fri, 09 May 2025Undefeated super middleweight contender Darius Fulghum preparing to ‘Make a big splash’ vs. Bek Melikuziev
Fri, 09 May 2025OKC Routs Denver; 149-106, Ties Series; Semis Series in East Remain Topsy-turvy as Boston Goes Down 0-2 With 91-90 Loss to NY
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Thu, 08 May 2025SHAW SENDS A MESSAGE IN HUNT FOR UK OPEN GLORY | 2025 UK OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
Thu, 08 May 2025WBO presents the Amanda Serrano Championships
Thu, 08 May 2025GM Antonio faces tough competition in ASEAN Seniors Chess Championships in Penang, Malaysia
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 08 May 2025Boxing: Entertainment Sport or Sport Entertainment?
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 07 May 2025JIM LAMPLEY'S BOOK TOUR IS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA THIS WEEK!
Wed, 07 May 2025CAPITO IGNITES TITLE DEFENCE IN STYLE | 2025 UK OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
Wed, 07 May 2025Sol Levinson: The Man Whose Gloves Elevated Boxing
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Tue, 06 May 2025Undefeated Cuban Heavyweight Prospect Dainier Pero Finishes Intense Las Vegas Training Camp Ahead of May 9 MVP Main Event on DAZN
Tue, 06 May 2025The Past Week in Action 5 May 2025: Inoue-Cardenas Saves Historic Boxing Weekend; Canelo-Scull Sets New Record for Fewest Punches Thrown
By Eric Armit, Tue, 06 May 2025