REY BAUTISTA, the teenager from Bohol who captivated the entire nation with an explosive performance on the same ring Manny Pacquiao capped a glorious day of memorable wins by Filipino fighters, will return to action on Nov. 19 in Tagbilaran, Bohol.
Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Neri Lim is spearheading the promotion with Bautista, nicknamed "Boom Boom," reportedly colliding with a rugged puncher from Tanzania, according to reports coming from his training headquarters in Cebu.
Bautista’s World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia-Pacific bantamweight throne will be on the line and it is expected that the 18-year-old protégé of Tony Aldeguer will have hinds full in the scheduled 12-rounder.
A boxing man from the Queen City said: "The Tanzanian fighter Bautista is facing is a livewire opponent who has got bombs for hands."
Bautista, however, is unfazed that he will be going up against a fearsome foe.
Fighting before a worldwide audience on Sept. 10 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Bautista shut the daylights out of Colombian Felix Flores Murillo with just one shot – a right to the kisser – in the third round.
A member of Bautista’s camp believes the decision to bring in a high-caliber fighter is going to benefit the fighter.
"This early, we want to know if Bautista is indeed worth the hype," said an insider. "It’s not because we don’t trust his skill and courage, but fighting dangerous opponents should make you better."
Bautista holds an immaculate win-loss mark of 17-0 with 13 knockouts.
Bautista had won the WBO 118-lb title with a unanimous decision over South African Vuyisile Bebe early this year in Mandaue.
