| |
|
BANAL EXCITED TO MEET DE LA HOYA!
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 26 Mar 2007
A few hours from now, ALA Boys Rey 'Boom Boom' Bautista and Alex John 'Bazooka' Banal, together with trainer Edito Villamor, will be flying out to Los Angeles for their training.
A week later, they will join Oscar De la Hoya and trainer Freddie Roach in Puerto Rico.
But for the US first-timer Banal, this trip is the result of long years of hard-work and sweat, and he says he is enjoying every bit of the moment.
"I am very, very, very excited in my first trip to America. Now, I am going to finally step into my dream," said the likeable 18-year-old, who is undefeated as a pro fighter.
Banal grew up in the squatters' area in Ermita, and making it to the United States is indeed a dream-come-true.
Of course, the cherry on the icing would have to be meeting his boyhoold idol Oscar De la Hoya, in fact, he will not only be meeting the Golden Boy, but he will be training with him as well.
"His eyes would light up everytime I mention Oscar's name. Imagine, he will be training with Oscar, the guy whom Banal would only see on television years past," said trainer Villamor.
According to Villamor, a group of sparmates have already been prepared in Puerto Rico for both Bautista and Banal, to make sure they get their quality sparring sessions for their May 5 assignments.
"Banal is very happy and excited for this trip. I can't begin to describe how motivated he is for this," added Villamor.
The trio will leave on a PAL flight PR 102 that departs at 10 tonight.
Happy trip to the ALA Team!
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Late Replacement Tellez Ready to Shock the World Against Amanda Serrano for WBA & WBO Featherweight Titles on January 3 in Puerto Rico
, Wed, 24 Dec 2025The Pryce is right again!
, Wed, 24 Dec 2025Postal Stamp Honoring Muhammad Ali will be present in January 15
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 24 Dec 2025O’REILLY AUTO PARTS SIGNS LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIP DEAL WITH MATCHROOM BOXING
, Wed, 24 Dec 2025Isabela Chess University Wins Region 2 Chess League Title
By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 24 Dec 2025Cristobal stops Beltran in the 6th round
By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 23 Dec 2025VENUE/DATE CHANGE: Shinard Bunch Takes on John Paul Magalong on THURSDAY, JANUARY 15TH AT THE WAR MEMORIAL IN TRENTON
, Tue, 23 Dec 2025Raquinel suffers 2nd setback in SA
By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 23 Dec 2025Oakland Municipal Auditorium: Sacred Hall Where Filipino Boxing World Champions Were Crowned
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Tue, 23 Dec 2025IBA confirms Men’s World Boxing Championships results
, Tue, 23 Dec 2025Jordan Launches Pro Boxing Scene Appointing Amer Abdallah as Advisor
, Tue, 23 Dec 2025Fisher and Atencio Crowned Jax Mixed Doubles Open Champions
, Sun, 21 Dec 2025Jake Paul Undergoes Surgery for Broken Jaw Following Knockout Loss to Anthony Joshua
By Dong Secuya, , Sun, 21 Dec 2025Anthony Joshua Drops Jake Paul 4 Times En Route to a 6th Round Stoppage
By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 20 Dec 2025Jean Henri Lhuillier Hails RP Blu Boys’ Golden Triumph at the SEA Games
By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 20 Dec 2025ACCRA WEIGH-IN RESULTS: RICHARDS AND AZEEZ PREPARE FOR HISTORIC CLASH
, Sat, 20 Dec 2025Two USA Boxing Junior National Champions Invited to Attend Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua Bout Friday in Miami
, Sat, 20 Dec 2025Ramon Cardenas Scores One Punch Knockout Over Erik Robles in Main Event of ProBoxTV’s The Contender Series
, Fri, 19 Dec 2025Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua: The Jig Is Up
By Chris Carlson, , Fri, 19 Dec 2025January 31: Rohan Polanco-Christian Gomez Confirmed as Co-Feature to Xander Zayas-Abass Baraou Title Unification Showdown at Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan
, Fri, 19 Dec 2025Jake Paul, Anthony Joshua Tip the Scales Ahead of Netflix Heavyweight Spectacle in Miami
By Dong Secuya, , Fri, 19 Dec 2025Suelo rules Thailand chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 19 Dec 2025RICHARDS AND AZEEZ SET FOR HISTORIC SHOWDOWN AS SOUTH LONDON LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS FACE-OFF AT PRESS CONFERENCE IN GHANA
, Fri, 19 Dec 2025Brooklyn’s undefeated Pryce Taylor Called one of top heavyweight prospects in U.S.
, Fri, 19 Dec 2025INDIGO FIGHT NIGHT RESULTS AS GIORGIO VISOLI OVERCOMES TOUGH JOE HOWARTH – AND TIAH-MAI AYTON WINS AGAIN
, Thu, 18 Dec 2025 |
|
|
|
|
|
