CALL FOR PRAYERS

The parents of the 21-year-old Bautista, Alberto Sr. and Susana appealed to Filipino fans especially from the pre-dominantly Catholic island province of Bohol to include in their prayers their son's victory. Today's comeback fight is Bautista's first after a shocking first round KO set-back his first in 24 fights, to current WBO superbantamweight titlist Daniel Ponce de Leon last August.

Tagbilaran City Dan Neri Lim, Bohol's chief benefactor of both professional and amateur boxing here also echoed the same call for the victory of Tagbilaran's adopted sons-Bautista and the 18-year-old Banal.

VOW TO GET A WIN

Boom Boom is prepping himself for a stretched out battle, while Mexico's Antonio Meza yesterday downplayed speculations he would be slaughtered in early rounds, saying he trained hard at the high mountains of Mexico.

The two fighters, who will today's huge "Payback" card, met for the first time during the final press conference at the PICC graced by the very attractive Amy Hayes, who will announce the fights.

"I did not come here as a sacrificial lamb. I trained for months at the Otomi Mountains, at the gym of Jose 'Olivaritos' Morales. I will give you a great fight you will remember," declared Meza through his manager-interpreter Fernando Dominguez.

Promoter Noli Eala and GAB chairman Eric Buhain also graced the press conference, as well as Tagbilaran City Mayor Lim of Third Force Promotions and GAB Commissioner Monju Guanzon, ALA Gym's Michael Aldeguer and boxing division chief Nasser Cruz.

Also in attendance were AJ "Bazooka" Banal and Mexican champion Jovanny Soto as well as Miland Milendo and Indonesian foe Jack Amisa. Michael Domingo and opponent Anthony Mathias also graced the event.

First bout starts at 9 a.m. today at the Araneta Coliseum, while the "live" telecast will start 10:30 a.m. over ABC-5, according to Eala.

"Nonito Donaire's fight should start around 10:30 a.m., and we will pause for a while to see that fight on the big screen at the Aranet, then continue the fights afterwards," said Eala yesterday.

Notes. Bautista received a much-needed morale support yesterday especially after he was informed that Cebu City officials led by Vice Mayor Mike Rama and Councilor Jack Jakosalem are flying in to watch his fight ringside. Also in town is businessman Jerry Malixi, who is watching the fight ringside with his dad Pablo . . . Amy Hayes surely did not disappoint yesterday, coming in ultra chic, pretty and sexy to the delight of the crowd, "And she's very articulate!" said somebody from the gallery . . . Tagbilaran City Mayor Lim has reportedly invited Ms. Hayes and her dad to drop by the famous Bohol city for an R&R . . . Cebu media will be fully represented with writers from the three big dailies and two Cebuano papers all in town for the big show. Chicago's Lando Hiso and Las Vegas' Ferdie Dalope are also in town to watch the fights. For those from outside the Philippines, you can still watch the fights live via www.netvision.com.ph through live streaming for a minimal fee.

Charming lady ring announcer Amy Hayes will do the ring introductions. Hayes wowed the press with her wit and amiable personality during the fight's press conference last Thursday. Hayes yesterday had an autograph signing session with fans after the preview.

A special bonus for all who will watch the fight live at the Aranet Coliseum is in store as the first title defense of world flyweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. will be shown thru a closed circuit circuit television screen inside the venue.

Donaire will defend his IBF flyweight crown against Luis Maldonado of Mexico at the Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Connecticut.

Other fights included in the card is RP bantamweight champion Michael Domingo against Anthony Mathias and WBO Asia-Pacific champion Milan Melindo in a title defense versus Jack Amisa of Indonesia. (Manny B)