For boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao, AJ “Bazooka” Banal has what it takes to be the next big thing in boxing.
Pacquiao described Banal, who will face Panamanian Rafael Concepcion for the World Boxing Association (WBA) super flyweight crown, as a “talented fighter” with a lot of potential.
“Malakas, magaling?talented fighter. Mararating rin niya ang narating ko, basta huwag kalimutan ang Panginoon at masipag,” said Pacquiao.
The boxing hero from General Santos City also had tips for Banal.
“Be more aggressive. Dagdagan pa iyong mga kombinasyon para mahirap talunin,” Pacquiao said.
The Banal-Concepcion tiff is slated on Saturday at the Cebu Coliseum.
Concepcion has a 10-2-1 fight record with six knock outs while Banal owns an immaculate record of 17 wins, one draw with 14 knockouts.
Banal earlier said he will do “everything possible” to win the WBA super flyweight title when he goes toe-to-toe with Concepcion.
The undefeated Banal said he will not let his fans down by losing his first world title fight.
As part of his preparation, Banal said he watched tapes of Concepcion’s fights against Ricardo Molina and Jean Piero Perez.
“He is strong just like me but I have an advantage in ability,” Banal said, describing his foe and his advantage against him.
He added that he is “one hundred percent fit and prepared hard” for the title showdown following some furious sparring sessions with talented fighters of the Cebu-based ALA Gym. With a report from Dyan Castillejo
