By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista, the challenge for a rematch by former world champion Daniel Ponce De Leon at the back of his mind, is determined to go “boom boom” against Mexican journeyman Eden Marquez at the plush Waterfront Hotel on August 30 and make a statement that he's back.
Respected Cebu boxing patron Tony Aldeguer told insidesports.ph that Bautista was in “good condition” and had no problems mentally since the anguish of his first round KO in a world title fight by Ponce De Leon has apparently been erased.
Bautista has regained his confidence due mainly to the fact that his handlers have worked diligently to slowly bring him back in his last two fights, both of which he won.
Bautista was tested by Mexico’s Antonio Meza when he won the WBO Intercontinental super bantamweight title on December 2 last year and then made short work of Genaro Camargo last April 6. Both fights were held at the Araneta Coliseum.
Its been some time since Bautista fought in Cebu and Aldeguer said “ he is determined not to take it easy and knows he needs to put on a good show.”
The 22 year old Bautista who is regarded as one of the Philippines brightest prospects for a world title has a record of 25-1 with 18 knockouts while his opponent Marquez has a record of 16-3-3 with 12 knockouts.
Bautista is ranked No. 2 by the WBO, No. 10 by the IBF, No. 12 by the WBA and No. 13 by the WBC.
Marquez has won his last two fights by knockouts after dropping a twelve round decision to Andres Romero in a WBO/IBF Mexican super bantamweight title fight last February 29.
His KO wins were over Juan Pazas last May 30 (KO 2) and Andres Romero (KO 3) last June 28.
