| |
|
BANAL SPARS WITH 'BON JOVI'
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 05 Jun 2008
Undefeated ALA Boy AJ 'Bazooka' Banal, prepping for his July 26 quest for the WBA superfly crown, has now log in a total of 64 rounds against the likes of Hilario 'Bon Jovi" Canillas and the veteran Pedro 'Cobrita' Malco at the famed ALA Gym.
ALA head trainer Edito Villamor, in an interview yesterday, 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 targetting 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.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Highland Boxing Promotions Presents "Warrior Showdown" in Bangkok on June 27
By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 25 Jun 2026Usyk reportedly considering retirement but could face Kabayel before the year ends
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 25 Jun 2026Luke Littler and Ben Whittaker join forces as Matchroom Sport takes over New York City
, Thu, 25 Jun 2026IOC Announces $10,000 'Fit for the Future' Grant for All Qualifying Olympians, Including Boxers
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 25 Jun 2026Boxers did it first: IBA President welcomes IOC’s decision on allocating funds among athletes
, Thu, 25 Jun 2026PH national now ready for Asia-Oceania Sambo
By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 25 Jun 2026UFC TITLE CHALLENGER IAN MACHADO GARRY JOINS MATCHROOM TALENT AGENCY AS EDDIE HEARN LAUDS 'SUPERSTAR' SIGNING
, Thu, 25 Jun 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Fathers in the boxing world
By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan arrive for Asia & Oceania Sambo Tournament
By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026Mexican Hall of Fame Legend Carlos Zarate undergoes surgery in Mexico
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026IM Arca to see action in 28th Asian Youth Chess Championships 2026 in Shenzhen,China
By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026Lenar Perez to Face Former Two-Time World Title Challenger Thabiso Mchunu, with Fendero-Fondjo as Co-Feature on September 3 in Montreal!
, Wed, 24 Jun 2026Gustavo Trujillo'S Remarkable Journey Continues as Reigning Bkb Heavyweight Champion Climbs the Pro Boxing Ranks
, Wed, 24 Jun 2026AMER ABDALLAH APPOINTED ADVISOR TO THE KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN BOXING FEDERATION
, Wed, 24 Jun 2026Youth Sports Sambo on June 25
By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026Train for Puma Half Marathon in starts June 24
By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 22 JUNE 2026
By Eric Armit, , Tue, 23 Jun 2026Team PH reigns in Senior League Softball Asia-Pacific and Middle East Regional Tournament in Indonesia
By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 23 Jun 2026ZAYAS AND BOOTS KICK-OFF FIGHT WEEK WITH STORMY FIRST FACE-OFF IN BROOKLYN
, Tue, 23 Jun 2026Santisima, Apolinar stop foes
By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 23 Jun 2026BOOTS: I FEEL GREAT AT 154
, Tue, 23 Jun 2026Bohat is PBF Silver bantamweight champion
By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 23 Jun 2026Mexican Boxing Olympic Team returns with bronze medal from Guiyang 2026
, Tue, 23 Jun 2026Lastimosa is PBF Youth light fly champ
By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 22 Jun 2026Undefeated Unified Champion Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo Claims WBO International Flyweight Title, Stops Neider Valdez in Two Rounds
, Sun, 21 Jun 2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
