By Ronnie Nathanielsz
WBO super bantamweight champion Daniel Ponce De Leon who battles undefeated Filipino ring sensation Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista in the featured main event of the “World Cup” between the Philippines and Mexico on August 11 at the Arco Arena in Sacramento has vowed to win by knockout.
Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer told Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today the champion told him that he has “no doubt he will knock out Bautista just like he knocked out most of his previous opponents.”
However, well known boxing commentator Moy Lainez said former WBC super flyweight champion Gerry Penalosa gave the much bigger Daniel Ponce De Leon a hard time in losing a twelve round decision. Lainez said Bautista hits with the power of a natural super bantamweight and if Bautista catches the champion "it will be over." Lainez noted that the fighter who connects first has a good chance but he felt that Bautista had the advantage because "he has science and everything."
Ponce De Leon told Schaefer he would “dedicate this fight to his great great grandfather who was one of the legendary Aztec warriors.” Ponce De Leon reportedly believes that everytime he enters the ring his great great grandfather “takes over and makes him the feared fighter he is.”
However, the Golden Boy Promotions CEO pointed out that “obviously Bautista has something to say as well since he will want to bring the world title and the ‘World Cup’ back to his people of the great nation of the Philippines.”
Schaefer said the stage is set and “the anticipation is building.” He said the promotion was going “very well” and there have been “tremendous ticket requests from the public.”
