Boom Boom seeks redemption vs Ruiz

MANILA, Philippines - Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista seeks redemption as he slugs it out with former tormentor Heriberto “Cuate” Ruiz of Mexico tomorrow in the featured fight of the “Pinoy Pride 6: Grudge Rematch” card at the Waterfront Hotel Pacific Ballroom in Cebu City.

“Until now, my previous loss still hurts and I know he came here in top shape but I’m ready,” said Bautista in vernacular during yesterday’s final press conference.

At stake in the 12-round fight is the IBF international featherweight belt.

Bautista (30-2, 23KOs lost to Ruiz (46-10 with 28 KOs), on Nov. 22, 2008 in Las Vegas.

But Bautista vowed to even things up with Ruiz.

For one, the 24-year-old pride of Candijay, Bohol is coming off a four-win streak, the most recent was a spectacular third round stoppage of Mexican Alejandro Barrera last Jan. 29.

But Ruiz belittled the ALA fighter’s threat to pull off a revenge, saying he has more to offer than Bautista’s claim of a big improvement.

“I hope he’s really ready for this fight because I came to win and I’m sure of defeating him again,” said the former Mexican super flyweight champion.” I’ve been fighting with world champions, including Rafael Marquez and still my experience will be my biggest arsenal to win this fight.”

The official weigh-in is set at noon today at SM Cebu Events Center.

Ruiz even bragged that he didn’t prepare well in his first meeting against Bautista, yet he still came out victorious.         

This time, Ruiz said he’s in his best shape even as he wished Bautista good luck.

Though both fighters refused to predict an early stoppage, ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer said a knockout would be inevitable since Bautista and Ruiz are known to be two of the strongest punchers in the featherweight division.

“Both of them can fight and I don’t know who will be knocked out, it could be Boom Boom or it could be Ruiz,” said Aldeguer.

In the equally-exciting supporting bout, 19-year-old light welterweight prospect Jason Pagara (26-1, 15KOs) gets his first big test against Juan Carlos Gallegos (16-4, 10KOs) of Mexico.

“I’ll come to take the fight and I’ll teach this kid a lesson,” said the 25-year-old Gallegos.

In the undercard, former WBO Silver flyweight titlist Edrin “The Sting” Dapudong (21-3, 12KOs) will go up against undefeated Bejna “Rhinoceros” Loemoli (11-0, 7KOs) of Indonesia.