By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Undefeated Mexican slugger Miguel Angel Mendoza who has a fearsome record of 17 knockouts in 17 wins with one draw has vowed to continue his KO streak by stopping IBF Intercontinental featherweight champion Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista within six rounds when they clash in the main event of “Pinoy Pride X” at the Hoops Dome in Lapu Lapu City on Saturday.
Boxing writer and Games and Amusements board doctor Rene Bonsubre reported that Mendoza made the predictions at a press conference at the Maya Mexican Restaurant in Banilad. Mendoza.
Mendoza who has an impressive record but hasn’t beaten any noteworthy opponent unlike Bautista who has fought some of the best and won said “I came to Cebu to fight, I will deliver a knockout.I have studied videos of ‘Boom Boom’ Bautista, He is a complete fighter and fast fighter. But I know how to look for openings.”
When pressed for the round, Mendoza answered: “I will knock him out in six rounds.”
Bautista who has a record of 31-2 with 23 knockouts will defend the title he won by 7th round technical decision against another Mexican, Heriberto Ruiz last June in a rematch that avenged his earlier eight round loss when Bautista was bothered by a rotten bone in h is left wrist which was subsequently replaced during surgery which necessitated an almost one year layoff.
Bonsubre noted that Mendoza comes from the Knockout gym of Mexico which up to now has not produced any world champions but only local champions.
Mendoza said he had fought many strong Mexican fighters. He said “I will go forward against Bautista and trade with him. It will be a hard fight but not the hardest of my career.”
In a message to Bautista, Mendoza sad “I hope you will not run away” which is unlikely to happen since Bautista himself enjoys slugging it out which makes him such an exciting fighter.
