TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines – Mexican toughie Genaro ‘Poblanito’ Garcia (38-8, 22KOs) believed that his vast experience will play a key factor when he battles ALA Boxing Gym star Rey ‘Boom Boom’ Bautista (32-2, 24KOs) in the main event of “Pinoy Pride XII: Bakbakan sa Bohol” this Saturday night here at the Carlos P. Garcia Sports Complex.
“I came here to win,” said a confident Garcia during a news conference yesterday at Bohol Tropics Resort.
“I’m going to fill Boom-Boom with attack in the early rounds until I knock him out.”
Garcia may be two inches shorter than Bautista, but the Mexican feels that he has enough firepower in his arsenal to beat Bautista having fought eight world champions in his career spotlighted by a smashing second round stopage of former world champion Rafael Marquez in 2000.
“I fought taller guys than him (Bautista), but I will use my experience to beat him,” said Garcia.
Indeed, Garcia poses as a big threat to Bautista, according to ALA Promotions CEO Michael Aldeguer.
“This could be one of his (Bautista) toughest fights,” said Aldeguer. “This fight will tell it all. Maybe after this, we will look for a possibility of a title eliminator.”
However, Bautista assured his hometown fans of an impressive victory.
“Ipakita nako nila nga daku kaayo akong gusto nga mahatagan sila (Boholanos) og garbo ilabi na nga taga Bohol ko,” said Bautista, the IBF No.1 featherweight contender.
In the explosive supporting bouts of the slambang event assembled by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports, super bantamweight prospect Genesis ‘Azukal' Servania (16-0, 6KOs) will face Kenyan Nick Otieno (21-7 9KOs), while light welterweight contender Jason ‘El Nino’ Pagara (27-2, 16KOs) hopes to make a triumphant ring return when he takes on Indonesian Frans Yarangga (10-1, 7KOs).
Meanwhile, Michael ‘Bruce Lee’ Domingo (43-16, 22KOs) and Marvin "Leyte Bomber" Tampus (27-14, 18KOs), both at the crossroads of their career,will try to save their best for last as they go up against each other. (FREEMAN)