Boom Boom starts sparring, hobnobs with Pacman in LA

While the whole nation was observing All Souls Day to honor the departed ones yesterday, there was no such thing at the Wild Card Gym where all the living souls were knocking each other's head.

A tired and sluggish Rey "Boom-Boom" Bautista sweated five rounds of torrid sparring against two Mexican stalwarts, Alejandro Perez and Mike Franco, yesterday afternoon at the Wild Card Gym of Freddie Roach.

The undefeated Boholano boxing sensation went two rounds with Perez and another three rounds with Franco. Both Mexicans are regulars at the Wild Card Gym and have previously sparred with Bautista in the past.

It was the only the second sparring session for Bautista, who is still suffering from jet lag and is often times sluggish and heavy-footed. Also, he is finding difficulty keeping awake.

After five days since their arrival in LA, the only highlight that Bautista has experienced so far is his personal meeting with the Philippine boxing icon, the inimitable Manny Pacquiao, who was gracious enough to pose with Bautista for a souvenir picture.

When asked about Pacquiao's present condition, the amiable trainer of Bautista, Edito Villamor said, "OK lang kami dito at saka si Manny nakita ko kanina at grabe ang kanyang condition parang hindi napapagod sa kanyang practice."

With his clavicle injury now a thing of the past, a rejuvenated Bautista hopes to showcase his vaunted power against the veteran Giovanni Andrade of Brazil on December 2 at St. Peter Square Times in Tampa, Florida.

It is a must-win situation for the baby-faced Bautista, who previously missed two very important fight dates which has somewhat disrupted his march to fame.

Soon to follow Bautista's training camp in LA is Z Gorres, who is slated to challenge WBO super flyweight champion Fernando Montiel on December 15 at a still undetermined venue.