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This coming July
26 is a big day for fight fans especially from the tourist-oriented island province
of Bohol.
After
a long inactive months due to the cancellation of his previous fight in Dubai,
IBF flyweight champ Nonito Donaire Jr. may get a chance for a mega-buck showdown
with WBC/WBA superfly king Cristian Mijares and the undefeated AJ "Bazooka"
Banal for his first world title fight. | World
prospect AJ "Bazooka" Banal is back at the world-class ALA Gym in Cebu
for his rigorous training after assuring his countrymen a place in Philippine
boxing lore when he collides with Rafael Concepcion of Panama for the vacant WBA
super flyweight crown on July 26 at the New Cebu City Coliseum.
 BANAL | | Accompanied
by sportsman and boxing patron Antonio Lopez Aldeguer, the 19-year-old clinical
fighter who traces his roots to the sleepy barangay Sambag, Corella, Bohol was
interviewed during the PSA Forum at the Shakey's UN Avenue branch early last week.
"I'm
very prepare and I don't want this opportunity to slip away," the Cebu-based
KO artist assured.
Rated
No. 3 by the WBA, Banal, who has already logged a total of 136 rounds of sparring
for the fight, could become the country's fifth world titleholder, after WBC superfeatherweight
king Manny Pacquiao, WBO bantam titlist Gerry Peñalosa, IBF flyweight champion
Nonito Donaire and Donie Nietes, owner of the WBO minifly-weight title. |
A
Banal victory could also pave the way for his showdown with WBA No. 1-rated Nobou
Nashiro of Japan in September, according to ALA Promotions vice president Dennis
Cañete.
Cañete
said their long-term goal is for Banal to face WBC flyweightchampion Christian
Mijares, who dethroned WBC champion Alexander Muñoz of Panama early this
year.
But
the Cebuano southpaw, armed with a record of 18 victories (14 KOs) and a draw,
isn't looking past Concepcion, who has 10 wins (6 KOs) and two losses in 13 fights.
"I've
seen him fight and he is also tough," Banal said, aware that Concepcion can
both be a fighter and a slugger.
"Mahirap
na kalaban din si Concepcion, hindi rin naman tayo pakakasiguro," said Banal
trainer, Raymund Villamor, brother of former world title contender ALA.
"Pero
napag-aralan na rin naman naming siya. Sa nakita naming, medyo mahina siya sa
bodega (stomach) kaya concentrate more on body punches," he added.
Banal
is also aware Concepcion can both be a fighter and a slugger, but said he's ready
whatever his opponent will bring on the table.
"Fighter
siya at talagang may lakas," admitted the young Filipino. "Pero marami
akong plano sa kanya at sa ring ko na lang ito ilalabas."
He
is coming off a fourth round technical knockout of previously undefeated Caril
Herrera of Uruguay last April.
Banal
said he already sparred a total of 136 rounds and doesn't see any problem meeting
the super-flyweight limit of 115 pounds.
"Handang-handa
na po talaga tayo," he confidently said. |
