MANILA, Philippines – Boxing analysts agree that it is time for Filipino boxer Rey “Boom-Boom” Bautista to step away from the sport, after the Boholano suffered a stunning defeat at the hands of an unheralded Mexican boxer.
The 26-year-old Bautista lost for the third time in his career after dropping a split decision to Mexico’s Jose “Negro” Ramirez last Saturday at a Pinoy Pride event in Davao City, losing a featherweight belt in the process.
Following his defeat, Bautista’s bosses at ALA Promotions said they no longer see any reason for “Boom-Boom” to continue fighting.
“What’s the point of him continuing to fight if he has nowhere to go?” said ALA Promotions chief Tony Aldeguer.
Boxing analysts agree that Bautista’s career has reached its end.
“This is it for Boom-Boom,” said Ronnie Nathanielsz. “That’s the best he can do.”
“He is good regionally, but in the world level, his skills cannot improve anymore. Sabi ni Tony Aldeguer, it is time for him to retire,” he added.
Bautista has shown that he is capable of putting on exciting fights and even won the WBO International featherweight belt. But when he challenged former world champion Daniel Ponce de Leon in 2007, he was badly outclassed and got knocked out in the first round.
“Tapos na ang career ni Boom-Boom. Nabigay niya ang lahat, pero hindi na talaga siya aangat pa sa kalidad niya,” noted Recah Trinidad.
“Sinubukan na niya ang kaya niyang magagawa kontra sa mga mabibigatin na fighters, pero wala talaga,” he added.
ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer said Bautista will be fine if he hangs up his gloves now.
“He’s now married and has a child, and he’s financially well off. He spends more time right now managing his business in Bohol,” said Aldeguer in a PhilBoxing interview. [http://philboxing.com/news/story-82566.html]
“Maybe his mind is no longer on boxing. But really, he has limited abilities, so I think it’s time for him to hang up his gloves,” Aldeguer added.
If Bautista decides to step away from boxing, he retires with a record of 34 wins against three losses, with 25 of his victories coming by knockout. – From a report by TJ Manotoc, ABS-CBN News
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