Singapore--Aggrieved Filipino boxer Ian Clark Bautista called for fair judging on Monday after he reached the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games flyweight final against home favourite Hanurdeen Hamid.
Bautista suffered a controversial defeat to South Korea's Choe Sang-Don at last year's Asian Games in Incheon, and he said he was praying that lightning wouldn't strike twice.
"It's difficult when you fight against a boxer from the home country but I pray that the judges are good in the final," said Bautista.
"I'm happy and excited but nervous about the fight. But it's my mission to get the gold medal and I'm determined to do my country proud."
Bautista was denied a spot in the Asiad quarter-finals after his controversial points loss to South Korea's Choe, but he left no doubt about his place in the SEA Games final after he knocked out Thongbang Seuaphom of Laos.
The 20-year-old dominated the bout at the Singapore Expo and ended it with 1min 13sec left in the second round with a left hook that sent the Laotian down for the count.
AFP
