‘Boom Boom’ hopes he won’t go bust this time

CEBU CITY—It’s boom or bust for Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista when he seeks redemption against Mexican Heriberto Ruiz tonight in the headliner of the Pinoy Pride 6: Grudge Rematch at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino.

“If I lose, I’m a goner,” said Bautista in Filipino during yesterday’s official weigh in at the SM City Cebu Activity Center here. “It’s now or never.”

Bautista, who checked in at 125.5 pounds against Ruiz’s 126 for their battle for the International Boxing Federation international featherweight title, is raring to prove that he can fight a lot better than when he was knocked down in the third round and bowed by unanimous decision to Ruiz on Nov. 22, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Though he didn’t offer it as an excuse, Bautista, a week after the bout fought at 122 lb, underwent an operation in which a rotten bone was removed from his left wrist and replaced by another from his hips.

After nine months of rest and rehabilitation, Bautista returned to action and has notched four straight victories since then to improve his record to 30-2 with 23 knockouts, the last two wins at the expense of another Mexican, Alejandro Barrera.

“This is a very important fight for me and I’m ready,” added Bautista.

The 33-year-old Ruiz, who wants to use his return bout with Bautista as a springboard to another crack at a world title, was unimpressed and vowed to hand the Boholano another beating before his countrymen.

Ruiz, 46 (28 KOs)-10-2, said he watched Bautista’s victories over Barrera and found out that nothing has changed—Bautista still has no defense.

Ruiz, who grew up with world champion Jorge Arce and Fernando Montiel in Lod Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, has knocked out four of his last six foes, though he himself kissed the canvass in the other two.

Rising star Jason Pagara tangles with Mexican Carlos Gallegos over 10 rounds in the welterweight division of the main supporting bout presented by ALA Promotions and supported by Parkmall, SM City Cebu, Active Zone at the Ayala Center Cebu, Diamond Suites and Residences, Cebu Grand Hotel and Cebu Daily News.