Boxing experts pick Boholano to beat Ruiz in their rematch Sat.

Boxing experts believe Rey “Boom-Boom” Bautista will overwhelm Mexican Heriberto Ruiz when they tangle this Saturday in a much-anticipated rematch, citing the massive improvement in the Boholano’s power, endurance and maturity.

Bautista and Ruiz will fight in the main event of the Pinoy Pride 6: Grudge Rematch at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino in Lahug.

“He has now matured, he will knock out Ruiz on June 11. His power will be so overwhelming as usual that Ruiz will have no answer to Boom-Boom’s booming punches,” said sports columnist Al Mendoza.

“Since the last fight two and a half years ago Bautista has gotten better, winning all four of his bouts inside the distance while Ruiz has lost a couple and been stopped,” said Anson Wainwright of 15rounds.com. “It’s an intriguing match up but one that Bautista can certainly win and I expect him to gain revenge against the tough Mexican. A stoppage would be highly impressive.”

Veteran sportswriter and columnist Ronnie Nathanielsz said Bautista has to be very technical to increase his chances of beating Ruiz who beat him in their first meeting almost four years ago.

“Boom Boom must use lateral movement and not present a stationary target for Ruiz. He needs to use more head movement, work behind his jab which is a pretty stiff one and then throw combinations, doubling up to the body and the head,” said Nathanielsz. “This young man can punch for sure. If he keeps his focus and composure and follow the game plan there is no reason why he cannot beat Ruiz and reward our faith in him.”

CONDITIONING

Nathanielsz said Bautista has been in great shape and that would be crucial in the fight.

“Since the ALA Gym hired strength and conditioning coach Pio Solon whose methods are very much like Alex Ariza, the strength and conditioning coach of Manny Pacquiao, Bautista and all the other leading fighters in the ALA stable have improved in terms of their movement, power, speed and overall explosiveness,” said Nathanielsz.

Recah Trinidad for his part said the upcoming fight will test whether Bautista is ready for a world title fight.

“Boom-Boom’s last fight where he displayed considerable maturity, made me look again. This next fight should be the real turning point, because this should put to test the ‘new’ Boom-Boom,” said Trinidad.

Meanwhile, the card’s final press briefing featuring Bautista, Ruiz, Juan Carlos Gallegos, Jason Pagara, Edrin Dapudong and Indonesian Benja Loemoli will be held today at 11 a.m. at the Aegian Room of the Waterfront Hotel and Casino.

The event is presented by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports and supported by the city government of Cebu, Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Cebu Grand Hotel, Diamond Suites and Residences, SM City Cebu, Ayala Center Cebu, Sunstar Daily, Cebu Daily News, Mooon Cafe, Thirsty Juices andShakes, Parkmall, Omni Graphics and Advance Graphics.

Tickets are available at the ALA Promotions office at tel. no. 2364611, ALA Fitness Gym-BTC, Bisaya Ispisyal and USA Sports Boutiques at the Ayala Center-Cebu, Mooon Cafe at the Asiatown I.T Park, Parkmall Customer Service Booth and at the Pinoy Pride ticket counter at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino. /PR with correspondent Dale Rosal