Boom Boom gives up title, ventures into heavier class

ALA Boxing Gym phenomenon Rey "Boom Boom" Bautista has officially relinquished his World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia Pacific bantamweight throne to venture into the super bantamweight (jr featherweight) division.

"We already made a decision for Bautista to vacate his WBO Asia Pacific bantamweight title and campaign in a heavier weight division," said Antonio "Bidoy" Aldeguer, Bautista’s benefactor.

International promoter Sammy Gello-ani, Aldeguer’s partner in charting Bautista’s career together with the Oscar de la Hoya-managed Golden Boy Promotions, said the Boholano ring star is more comfortable fighting in the 122 pounds division.

"We have already sent a formal letter to Leon Panoncillo (WBO vice president) of our intention to have him (Bautista) vacate the title," Gello-ani said.

"We hope to give other contenders a chance at the title."

Although he just vacated his WBO AsPac bantamweight crown, Bautista has already fought twice in the super bantamweight division - both in the United States.

The first was when Bautista survived a second round scare to defeat the Gerardo Espinoza by unanimous decision on Christmas eve last year at the Sycuan Resort & Casino in California. The second resulted to a third-round knockout of Nicaraguan Roberto Bonilla at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Now fighting under the aegis of Golden Boy Promotions, the pride of Bohol will leave again for the US to undergo further training in preparation for his fight against Moises "Matador" Gutierrez of Chile on Sept. 16 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.