‘I want a rematch’
After saying he was “robbed” of a victory, Mexican Heriberto “Cuati” Ruiz said he wants a rematch against Filipino boxer Rey “Boom-Boom” Bautista in Mexico.
Ruiz and his camp were clearly disappointed after their fight against Bautista in the main event of the Pinoy Pride 6: Grudge Rematch at the Pacific Grand Ballroom of the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino ended via technical decision.
“He felt he got robbed. He said this would have never happened in Mexico and that he wants a rematch there,” said Ruiz’s interpreter Michael Lopez.
The fight came to an end in the 0:56 mark of the seventh round after ring physician Jose Unabia saw a profusely bleeding Bautista due to a big cut in the right side of the temple caused by an accidental headbutt. Bautista also sustained a nasty cut in the left eyebrow also caused by a clash of heads in the third round.
Ruiz’s father-trainer Heriberto Ruiz Sr. couldn’t hide his disgust as he was seen yelling inside the ring after the result was announced.
Judge Bruce McTavish scored the fight at 69-65, Judge Muhamad Rois 68-65 and Judge Rey Danseco 68-65—all for Bautista.
So disappointed was Ruiz’s camp that Fernando Dominguez, Ruiz’s manager, said they are willing to have the rematch anywhere.
“If they want to have the rematch here, then we are willing to return. Ruiz will fight Boom-Boom anywhere,” said Dominguez.
IBF supervisor Ray Wheatley said it was clear that Bautista won the fight.
“It was a great fight, an extremely fit fight. Boom-Boom clearly won the fight. Unfortunately, some fans can’t understand the rules,” he said.
“The fight was stopped due to Boom-Boom’s cut and if a fight is stopped after four rounds due to a cut caused by accidental headbutt, then we have to go to the scorecards.”
But the hometown crowd was not contented with the way Bautista won.
As Bautista (31 wins-2 losses-23 knockouts) raised his hands in triumph, boos were heard from the crowd. On the other hand, when Ruiz (46-11-28KOs ) circled around the ring before exiting, a number of spectators clapped in unison. A chant of Ruiz! Ruiz! even greeted the Mexican boxer as he left the venue.
UNFORTUNATE
The boos came as a shock for Bautista and ALA Boxing founder Antonio Aldeguer couldn’t help but feel sorry for his ward.
“He tried so hard to get the win and it was unfortunate that the fight ended that way,” Aldeguer said . “But the most painful part was to get booed. It’s so painful.”
The Boholano boxer wasn’t happy too.
“I knew I won the fight but for me I was not able to avenge my previous loss. I still wanted to fight but I can’t do anything when the fight was stopped,” said Bautista, who bagged the IBF International Featherweight title.
Bautista went into the fight looking to settle an old score after succumbing to Ruiz in their first meeting last November 2008 in Las Vegas.
It turned out that their second meeting left more questions than answers as to who is the better fighter.
“This would be a very good stage for a third fight to determine who is the better fighter once and for all,” said Cebu City councilor Sylvan “Jack” Jakosalem.
ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer said they welcome a third fight between both boxers.
“Of course, we are open to the idea of another rematch. We’ll talk to Boom-Boom first and let’s see what we can do,” said Michael, who was visibly happy with Bautista’s performance.
“We know Boom-Boom still has a long way to go before he could earn bigger fights but he has shown a lot of maturity and lot of power in this fight. It’s just unfortunate the fight ended that way but that’s boxing for you. You can’t predict how a fight is going to end,” said Michael.
In an undercard fight, Jason Pagara had trouble figuring out Juan Carlos Gallegos of Mexico but managed to land a sharp left hook followed by a quick one-two combo in the fourth round to score a knockout win. Referee Tony Pesons reached the ten count at the 2:59 mark of the round. /with reports from correspondents rene bonsubre and dale g. rosal
