Bautista defeats Medina

20-year-old "Boom-Boom" Bautista from Cebu City got up off the canvas to become the mandatory contender to WBO world champion Daniel Ponce De Leon.

There was aggressive punching from both men in round 1, with WBO No.1 Bautista 23-0 (17) in black trunks and WBO No.2 Medina 28-1 (16) in white trunks. Some body shots from Bautista landed and Medina responded and opened up after leaning backwards on the ropes. Referee Chris Byrd gave a warning for a low blow from a left hook from Bautista, who was keeping a busy workrate. There was a series of left hooks in round 2 from Bautista, but he received a second warning for a low blow from the referee. There was some good two way action in the corner, as Medina replied to Bautista"s two fisted attack and the two stood toe to toe trading punches, prompting wild cheers from the crowd. "Boom Boom", who is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, was bouncing on his toes looking for openings, as "Rocky" Medina was having a better stanza, but Bautista was still landing enough to win the round.

The slower hand speed of 25 year-old Medina from Salta was evident in round 3. Bautista was attacking regularly, but received a third warning from the referee for another low blow. There was a good exchange to finish, as Medina landed some good combinations. Medina landed a nice left hook to begin round 4. He was back on the ropes and Bautista attacked with right hands before the bell. Bautista was coming forward confidently in round 5 to attack from a long way out. Medina tried to fight his way back, but did not have the same hand speed or power on his punches. Finally, the referee penalised Bautista one point for another low blow. There was also an accidental head clash, causing a cut on Bautista"s left eyebrow.

Medina was trying to take advantage of Bautista"s cut in round 6, but he left himself open and was down on the canvas, which he claimed was a slip. The referee was hearing nothing of it and counted for knockdown. It was a left uppercut that caused Medina to be knocked off balance and down to the canvas, but he regained his feet quickly. Bautista was aggressive trying to finish Medina at the close. Round 7 saw a savage exchange of hooks. Bautista was beating Medina to the punch. There was a clash of heads again, but no cuts. A left hook wobbled Bautista and Medina was all over him as the flow of the fight changed dramatically and forced him down into the ropes for a knockdown. A straight right hand and then a left hook from Medina had landed first and then he pummelled his opponent into the corner and ropes. Bautista was on wobbly legs when he regained his feet, but Medina let him off the hook and didn"t close in to attack over the last 20 seconds.

Bautista was standing his ground and waiting, not as aggressive as he had been as he recovered from being hurt the previous round. Medina landed another right hand as Bautista remained apprehensive. There was another head clash and Bautista was cut on right eye as well now. Round 9 saw some right uppercuts and hooks from Bautista as he began to regain control of the fight. Medina showed his toughness in soaking up the punches, but was throwing little to ensure him victory. Bautista had regained complete control of the fight in round 10. The referees warned Medina for leaning in with his head during exchanges. Bautista opened up in the corner with his right hand with Medina looking as though the pace was wearing on him.

Bautista landed a rocket of a right hand in round 11 and Medina crashed backwards onto the canvas. Bautista came over the top of a lazy left hook with his right hand, which landed on the left side of Medina"s jaw, twisting his head violently. He regained his feet but looked hurt. Medina was on the run when action resumed and he held on grimly in exchanges. Medina was jabbing and moving more. Bautista was aggressive early in round 12. Medina was not engaging and appeared to be content to reach the final bell. There was another head clash as both men swung wildly to end the fight.

Judges at ringside scored the fight for Bautista 115-109, 116-108 and 115-109.

* AJ Banal W8 Juan Alberto Rosas at flyweight

* Billy Dib W8 Jose Alberto Gonzalez at lightweight

* Christian Solano TKO2 John O"Donnell at welterweight

* John Murray TKO7 Lorenzo Bethea at junior welterweight

* Ernest Johnson D8 Hector Beltran at junior welterweight

* Carlos Duarte TKO2 Calvin Brooks at cruiserweight