Indonesian 'Dinamita' vows to blow Bautista in round 10

CEBU, Philippines - Indonesian champion Marangin "Dinamita" Marbun boldy fired a sharp verbal tirade against Rey "Boom Boom" Bautista, vowing to knock out the comebacking ALA Stable stalwart within 10 rounds when they clash for the interim WBC International featherweight title tomorrow night at the Pacific grand ballroom of Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

"I know Boom Boom is a very good boxer but I will be the winner in 10th round," said a visibly confident Marbun during yesterday's pre-fight news conference at the Aegean room of the five-star hotel.

But Bautista implied in his brief reply that the Indon visitor may end up eating his own words.

"Good for him (Marbun) if he will last 10 rounds against me," said the 22-year-old Bautista, who is coming off an 11-month hiatus. He hasn't fought since losing by eight-round unanimous decision to Mexico's Heriberto Ruiz on November 22, 2008 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Bautista said he felt his whole world has gone down after he went through the knife to repair a wrist injury a few months ago, but the constant training he had coupled with the words of encouragement from his benefactor Antonio "Bidoy" L. Aldeguer greatly helped him cope up with all the tribulations that smacked his way and slowly build back his self-confidence.

"At first during sparring, I felt that my power was affected because of the surgery but for me it was just a state of mind. As I kept on training, I noticed that I regained not only my speed and power but also my self confidence. Also, Sir ALA (Aldeguer) kept on giving me advice so as I will not lose hope,"said Bautista.

Ranged against a sturdy opponent in Marbun who swept his last eight fights and has been stopped only once in 25 fights, Bautista gamely admitted he has a tedious task to deal with.

"I will just try my best to win. The knokcout will come along the way, it only entails perfect timing," said Bautista.

Injury Issue

ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer said in boxing, injury is always an issue. The case of Bautista is no exception, but Aldeguer said Boom Boom is now in the pink of health having recuperated already from the injury after weeks of physical therapy.

"Any injury is an issue especially that it was a serious one for Boom Boom. Right now, he did a good therapy with it. We go to a specialist in Manila and it really helped in the healing," said the younger Aldeguer. "Come Friday, we will assess where he will go from here. We'll take it one fight at a time. Boom Boom has been through a lot. We have to see what's gonna happen this Friday."

Notwithstanding all the hardships and perplexities that rocked Bautista's budding career, Aldeguer said they remain optimistic that their prized catch from Candijay, Bohol will go places someday.

"I've never seen him this determined before. We believe there's still a big future ahead of him. He has all the potentials in the world and we have full confidence in him," said Aldeguer.

If ever he will get past Marbun, Aldeguer said Bautista's next ring tour of duty would still be on the Philippine soil. "This is just his first fight in the featherweight division and we have to see how he progresses," he said.

Triple Treat

Three marquee bouts may as well stole the thunder from the Bautista-Marbun showdown featuring three ALA Stable stars - the resurgent Czar Amonsot, the fast-rising undefeated lightweight prospect Jason Pagara and the promising super flyweight contender Marjun Yap.

Amonsot will trade bombs with Jesus Muzaka Singwangcha of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the homeland of NBA star Dikembe Motumbo, in a 10-round duel under the super featherweight division, while Pagara and Yap will slug it out with Thailand's Decha Kokietgym and Pramuansak Posuwan, respectively.

"I can't say what round but if I have the power to knock him (Singwangcha) out, why not?" said Amonsot, who is unscathed in three fights since dropping a close unanimous decision defeat to Australian knockout artist Michael Katsidis in their bloody and brutal war for the interim WBO lightweight championship two years ago in the United States.

Tv Coverage And Tickets

The four-native extravaganza is presented by ALA Promotions in partnership with television giant ABS-CBN and Thailand's world-renowned Kokietgym.

The Bautista-Marbun collision will be covered by ABS-CBN and will be telecast live via satellite on Channel 23 starting at 9 pm.

The public is advised to be at the venue on time at 4 pm as showtime begins at 5 pm sharp, with two preliminary bouts before Pagara and Decha mix it up at 6 pm on the dot. The Amonsot-Muzaka duel will follow thereafter.

Tickets are now on sale at P1,500 for the VIP 1st row; P1,250 for the VIP 2nd row; P1,000 for VIP 3rd row; P500 for ringside, and P250 for ballroom and balcony.

For ticket reservations and further information, one may contact the ALA Promotions office at 032-2364611; ALA Gym in Banilad Town Center at 032-4162011; or the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino lobby @ 032-2326888 local 8725.