TONY ALDEGUER has a long range plan for unbeaten super-flyweight AJ Banal, who now carries the burden of carrying the flag of the ALA Boxing Club, the Cebu-based stable which enjoys the full backing of Oscar De La Hoya?s Golden Boy Promotions (GBP).
“We are not rushing AJ,” said Aldeguer of Banal, the teen-aged phenom who blew away Jorge Cardenas of Mexico with just one punch in Sacramento, California.
“AJ just turned 18 last December and he will take his time (before fighting for a world title),” said Aldeguer, whose main fighter, the exciting superbantam Rey Bautista suffered a stunning first round knockout at the hands of Daniel Ponce de Leon.
Nicknamed “Bazooka” owing to his punching power, Banal?s next fight remains up in the air and Michael Aldeguer, Tony?s son who accompanied the Cebu boxers to the States, is set to meet with GBP officials before catching the long flight back to Manila.
Banal parades a 14-0 win-loss card with 11 knockouts.
“AJ is much better than Rey when Rey was the same as AJ?s age,” added Aldeguer, whose boxing factory in Banilad was where Gerry Pe?alosa, Joma Gamboa and Malcolm Tu?acao honed their skills.
The savage kayo win over Cardenas was Banal?s second conquest on US soil.
Following the shocking loss of Bautista, the focus and pressure now rest on Banal?s shoulders.
Meanwhile, Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella yesterday filed a resolution commending the champion Filipino boxers, including San Carlos City-born Gerry Pe?alosa for winning the World Boxing Organization bantamweight crown with a sensational knockout win over Johnny Goznalez.
“There is a big reason for Filipinos and Philippine boxing to celebrate after our courageous fighters lived up to the expectations of their countrymen by almost unanimously defeating their Mexican foes,” said Puentevella.
Pe?alosa was the biggest winner during that memorable evening at the Arco Arena.
Still, Puentevella had kind words for Bautista, who failed in his bid to knock the WBO 122-lb crown off De Leon?s head.
“Despite his loss, Bautista put up a gallant stand against his rival, displaying the Filipino fighting spirit and bravery,” added Puentevella.
