Bautista eyes impressive win

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines  – Reigning IBF International featherweight champion Rey ‘Boom Boom’ Bautista (32-2, 24KOs) will try to prove once again before his hometown fans that he's someone they can be proud of as he takes on Mexico's Genaro ‘Poblanito’ Garcia (37-8,21KOs) in the main event of “Pinoy Pride XII: Bakbakan sa Bohol” tonight here at the Carlos P. Garcia Sports Complex.

Meanwhile, the exciting fight card will be aired tomorrow at 10:15 am on ABS-CBN and at 2 pm over Studio 23.

“Medyo pressure gamay. Dili gyud ko kaingon nga wa ko kulbai kay dinhi ko sa Bohol mo-away,” said Bautista, who last saw action in front of his 'paisanos' seven years ago, stopping Tanzanian Obote Ameme in the second round to capture the WBO Asia-Pacific bantamweight title.

“Motan-aw ang akong pamilya ug gusto nako nga mahatagan sila og dakong garbo. Ako paninguhaon nga matumba akong kontra para mas nindot akong daog,” added Bautista. “Nindot ni among away pero di nako ni buhian ang kahigayunan nga molampus kay world title fight gyud akong gusto.”

During the official weigh-in yesterday at the Island City Mall, Bautista tipped the scales at 128 pounds, but Garcia weighed over four pounds of the regulatory weight limit.

Since there's no title at stake, the fight will push through as scheduled but Garcia will have to wear a bigger, 12-ounce gloves.

“Wala man sila musugot nga magpa-reduce mao na nga si Garcia mogamit og 12 ounce gloves," said ALA Promotions Vice President Dennis Cañete.

On the other hand, ALA chief trainer Edito Villamor said Garcia is really a great danger for Bautista because of the Mexican's vast experience and maturity having fought eight world champions in his career.

"Dili ni sayun ni Boom Boom kay beterano iya kontra," Villamor said.

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 mix it up with Kenyan Nick Otieno (21-7 9KOs), while light welterweight contender Jason ‘El Nino’ Pagara (27-2, 16KOs) hopes to make an impressive ring return as he battles Indonesian Frans Yarangga (10-1, 7KOs).

In the other featured match, Michael ‘Bruce Lee’ Domingo (43-16, 22KOs) hopes to revive his skidding career as he slugs it out with Marvin "Leyte Bomber" Tampus (27-14, 18KOs). (FREEMAN)