BANAL INTO INTENSIVE TRAINING FOR TITLE FIGHT

Undefeated AJ ?Bazooka? Banal (17-0-1, 14 ko?S) who battles Panama?s Rafael ?El Torito? Concepcion (10-2-1, 6 ko?s) for the vacant World Boxing Association super flyweight title in Cebu City on July 26 is taking no chances and has stepped up his training for the fight.

Respected boxing patron Tony Aldeguer said that the preparation of Banal is ?much more intensive than when he fought Caril Herrera? who was ranked No. 1 by the WBC and was undefeated until Banal stopped him in four rounds at the Araneta Coliseum last April.

Banal spars on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and goes eight rounds against a roster of sparring partners that include promising Weng Haya, Philippine bantamweight champion Michael Domingo, flyweight champion Rocky Fuentes, veteran Pedro Malco and lanky Jomanz Omanz.

Banal has continued to maintain his weight at 125 pounds which is ten pounds over the super flyweight limit but his handlers say the 19 year old has no weight problems at all.

Aldeguer whose care and concern for his fighters borders on the legendary makes sure that Banal?s diet is also closely monitored.

Banal is ranked No. 3 by the WBA while Concepcion is ranked No.6. Banal is also rated No.1 by the IBF, No. 2 by the WBO and o. 5 by the WBC. Concepcion is also in the WBC rankings at No.10.