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6 Pinoy boxers outclass foes


QUEZON CITY—A new Rey “Boom-Boom" Bautista emerged yesterday, as the Boholano sensation kept his WBO Inter-Continental super-bantamweight title via a unanimous-decision win over Mexican Antonio “Barrio" Meza. Bautista lost no time issuing a challenge to Daniel Ponce de Leon, who defeated him in a first-round knockout just four months ago. “If you watched this fight, I want you to know that I want to fight you again. Then you will see the real Boom-Boom Bautista," Bautista said during the post-fight press conference. “Let’s fight again." Four Cebu-based fighters and Nonito “The Filipino Flash" Donaire also won their fights yesterday at the Araneta Coliseum. Former president Joseph Estrada, his sons Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and San Juan Mayor JV Ejercito were among the 8,000 fans who came to watch Bautista. Bautista showed a lot of improvement—displaying good head movement, bobbing and weaving in front of Meza, with his hands always on defense—but also kept the flair and audacity that have made him one of the most exciting Filipino fighters today. Constant reminders from his trainer Edito Villamor rang out for the rising star. “He needs more jabs and he has a lot to learn. But I am sure he will improve more in the coming days," said ALA Boys manager Michael Aldeguer. Except for de Leon, Meza proved to be the toughest opponent yet for Bautista, as the 25-year-old Mexican slugger stood toe-to-toe while releasing solid punches that hurt the Filipino fighter in the sixth and eighth rounds. “I was not really impressed with Bautista but I admit he is a good fighter. I was a little frustrated with the scoring, I admit that we lost but it’s kind of different to fight in a hostile country," said Meza. After the grueling 12-rounder, judges Salven Lagumbay scored 117-111; Jonathan Davis, 116-112; and Epi Almeda, 118-110, all for Bautista. One challenge for Bautista was how Meza mixed styles, at one point hitting like a southpaw, then in a more orthodox fashion. “He is even tougher than (Sergio) Medina," Bautista said. When in trouble, Bautista no longer boxed his way out but instead wove, ducked or even backpedaled, things he never did before he lost to Ponce de Leon. “I was more focused, I was not in a hurry and I was patient. I am satisfied with the way I won this fight. And to my critics, I thank you because you have motivated me to improve," Bautista said. Also rooting for Bautista were former senators Robert Jaworski and Ramon Revilla Sr., former congressman Butch Pichay, Caloocan Rep. Bebs Asistio, Misamis Oriental Gov. Oscar Moreno, Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes, Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama and Cebu City Councilor Sylvan Jack Jakosalem, among others. It was a double victory for Cebu, as youthful sensation AJ “Bazooka" Banal scored a sensational TKO win over Mexican Jovanny “Bambino" Soto at the 2:15 mark of the ninth round. A timely right hook connected to Soto’s jaw, putting the Mexican on the canvas for the first time. He beat the count, but a flurry of at least 10 punches forced referee Ferdinand Estrella to stop the carnage. “The referee stopped the fight too early. But Banal is really good, I guess it was just a bad day for me," said Soto. Banal admitted it was a tough experience. “He was always coming. I hurt my elbows and my arms not because I was injured, but because of the punches I delivered," said Banal. The shorter, younger and smaller Banal controlled the momentum of the fight from the beginning, pummeling the rushing Mexican with jabs and a combination of punches to the head and body. But tough as Soto was, his end came just a little before the two-minute mark of the ninth round, when he was plastered by the wicked hook. “Another star is born!" said ALA Boys mentor Antonio Aldeguer. Former president Estrada raised Banal’s hand for a photo opportunity when the fighter came down from the ring. - Sun.Star