Boom Boom faces tough outing against Mexican

CEBU CITY, Philippines – Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista goes all out in his title defense against Josel Ramirez next month, hoping to get past the Mexican brawler and gain another crack at the world title.

“Against Ramirez, we would like to see if Boom Boom is ready for another world title shot,” said ALA Promotions president and CEO Michael Aldeguer, noting that his prized ward’s last fight against Daniel Diaz in Manila five months ago was a close one where the ALA boxer narrowly won by split decision.

Bautista, with a 34-2 record, including 25 KOs, is set to defend his WBO International featherweight crown against Ramírez (24-3, 15 KOs) in the main event of Pinoy Pride XIX-Mexican Invasion fightcard on April 20 at the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) Gym in Davao City.

Since his devastating first round knockout loss to Daniel Ponce de Leon of Mexico in his first world championship bout on Aug. 11, 2007 at the Arco Arena in Sacramento, California, the 23-year-old Bautista lost only once in a dozen matches.

The pride of Candijay, Bohol is currently on an eight-fight winning streak, but Aldeguer feels that Bautista still needs to present a solid proof that he is again a legitimate world title contender.

“Not a lot of people know that Boom Boom’s main arsenal is his left hand and it is the same hand that had major surgery. It was only the second half of last year that it was fully healed with no pain,” said Aldeguer.

“His performance on April 20 should answer questions. If he wins impressively and shows that he has recovered fully, then we will see if we can negotiate for a title shot late this year either for the IBF or the WBO as both have him highly ranked,” said Aldeguer.