BANAL

Bohol's best world prospect AJ "Bazooka" Banal is in deep preparation for his first crack at the world title at the ALA Gym in Cebu city. Since last week, the undefeated Corella, Bohol-native has already logged more than 70 rounds against the likes of Hilario "Bon Jovi" Canillas and the veteran Pedro 'Corbita' Malco for the WBA superfly title in Cebu City on July 26, according to CDN correspondent and ring judge Salven Lagumbay. ALA head trainer Edito Villamor, in an interview said Banal has been training since his last bout against Caril Herrera whom he easily dispatched in four rounds.

The 19-year-old Banal (17-0-1, 14 KO's) takes on Panama's Rafael Concepcion (10-2-1, 6 KO's) in a WBA-mandated battle for the regular title. Unified WBC and WBA supefly champ Cristian Mijares has been elevated to 'super champion' status, thus paving the way for Banal to vie for the regular title.

Villamor said Banal took only a week off after the Herrera fight, and was immediately back in the gym training for his next fight.

Malco, a veteran international campaigner, yesterday said Banal has been steadily progressing even while he is already a boxing prodigy, and hinted that the young fighter will have an easy run to the WBA throne.

"He's so hard to hit, and if you commit a mistake against him, you'll pay the price," said Malco in an interview.

Trainer Villamor said that they are targeting more than 100 rounds of sparring for Banal against Canillas and Malco, plus the inclusion later of bigger boys Weng Haya and Philippine bantamweight champion Michael Domingo.