Batawang to fight Solis in Acapulco on March 27

CEBU, Philippines - Cebuano fighter Bert “Ninja” Batawang got one final stab at glory as he is set to clash with former world champion Ulises Solis of Mexico in an IBF light flyweight elimination bout slated on March 27 in Acapulco, Mexico.

International promoter Sammy Gello-ani, who handles Batawang, informed different media outlets via e-mail that the bout has been formally sanctioned by IBF through its championship chairman Lindsey E. Tucker, Jr.

Originally, Batawang was set to battle Solis last March 6 in Tepic Mexico but was reset to March 20. In relation to the latest development, Gello-ani said the IBF has approved the request for the change in date and fight venue.

For sure, revenge will be on top of Batawang’s mind as he lost by ninth round TKO to Solis in his first attempt at the IBF throne on December 15, 2007 at the Auditorio Benito Juarez in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.

The 38-year-old Batawang, who knocked out Jack Amisa in round five in his previous bout on November 28 last year in Lin Yi, Shandong, China, sports a 45-14-3 win-loss-draw record spiked with 37KOs, while Solis carries a 29-2-2 card dotted with 20KOs.

The winner of the Batawang-Solis showdown will earn the right to challenge Colombian Carlos Tamara, who emerged as the new WBC light flyweight titlist after dethroning Fil-Am Brian “The Hawaian Punch” Viloria in stunning fashion two months ago at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City. – EBV (THE FREEMAN)