Ruiz: "I'll beat Bautista anew"

CEBU, Philippines - He did it before and there is no reason that he couldn’t do it again.

This was the bold statement of Mexican Heriberto Ruiz, signifying he's ready to defeat Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista anew when they collide in a 12-round war for the IBF International featherweight title headlining the 'Pinoy Pride 6:Grudge Rematch' this Saturday night at the Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

In a press conference yesterday at Mooon Café in Asiatown I.T Park , Ruiz showed confidence in assuring another victory against Bautista. He declared that this time, it's going to be a painful one as he is dead set to humiliate the Boholano boxer in front of his countrymen.

Ruiz inflicted Bautista’s second career loss by unanimous decision in their first meeting on November 22, 2008 in Las Vegas.

“I’m not going to predict a knockout but I’m sure it will come and I’m gonna take it,” said the former IBF Intercontinental super bantamweight titlist. “It will be the same Boom Boom that I’ve defeated in Las Vegas.”

Ruiz is aware of Bautista’s claim that the ALA fighter is not 100 percent when they first fought, but the Mexican said that healthy or not, he will prove that he is the better fighter between the two of them.

The 33-year-old Ruiz doesn’t also feel any intimidation in Bautista’s plan to apply pressure against him from the first to the last round of the fight.

“It would be better if he will do that. I’m the type of boxer that loves pressure, I work better under pressure,” added Ruiz who trained for three months with his younger brother and WBA interim bantamweight king Hugo Ruiz.

For his part, Ruiz manager Fernando Dominguez said a win against Bautista will be big for the Mexican boxer as it will open another possibility for a world championship bout.

Meanwhile, another Mexican warrior in Juan Carlos Gallegos will try to make his share by winning against ALA Boxing Gym sensation Jason Pagara in the supporting main event.

 This will be a huge test for Pagara since Gallegos is his first ever Latino opponent.

“I know Pagara is strong. I’ve not seen any videos of him but I see a very tight and hard-fought battle between us this Saturday,” said the 23-year-old Gallegos.

Fight fans will have a first glimpse of the Mexicans' skills as they will hold a public workout at 5 pm today at Parkmall. (FREEMAN)