By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Former world super bantamweight title challenger Rey "Boom Boom" Bautista (29-2, 22 KO's)says he's not scared of Mexico's Alejandro "Zorrito" Barrera (21-4, 14 KO's) when they clash in what is expected to be war at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino on Saturday.
The confident if not cocky Mexican who impressed fight fans in a public workout at the Park View Mall on Wednesday added to the tension between the Mexican and Filipino camps when he said they would not ask for a different ring physician from the GAB doctor who declared Barrera unfit to continue in their first fight.
Speaking through interpreter Mike Lopez, Barrera said "we don't care who the ring doctor is because he will not be needed. I will knock Bautista out within five rounds."
Barrera and his corner led by trainer Victor Hugo Correa had complained about what they felt was a premature stoppage in the 4th round of their first meeting last August when Barrera suffered a cut under his right eye and was ruled unfit to continue by GAB physican Dr.Jose Unabia.
Barrera who bragged that he had sparred with Daniel Ponce De Leon who had knocked out Bautista in the first round of their title fight and would do the same claiming Bautista had "a glass jaw and no defense" will be in for a surprise according to ALA Gym trainers Edito "Ala" Villamor and brother Edmund Villamor.
Both trainers said that under the strength and conditioning program of Pio Solon, Bautista had improved a lot. They said he "punches with more power, is in great physical condition, moves much better and is even quicker." They joined "Boom Boom" in saying "you'll see on Saturday."
Peeved by Barrera's KO prediction and his reference to Ponce De Leon, Bautista told the Inquirer "at least I was knocked out by a champion. Barrera was knocked out in the first round by a 36 year old fighter with 23 losses." Bautista was referring to Carlos Urias who KO'd Barrera in the first round in a vacant Fecarbox title fight last April 23.
ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer said Bautista has been "begging for a rematch with Ponce De Leon but we'll first have to see how he fares against Barrera."
Bautista said he would first take care of Barrera and then go after Ponce De Leon to avenge his first round knockout loss.
