ALA Gym stars AJ Banal and Milan Melindo will open the year 2010 with a bang as they both will headline ALA Promotions’s and Smart Communications’s big boxing extravaganza dubbed as “Bak-bakan sa Sinulog” on Jan. 13 at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu City.
Banal is scheduled to face tough Mexican veteran Cecilio Santos while the undefeated Melindo will fight for the World Boxing Council Youth Intercontinental flyweight crown of Mexican-American Anthony Villareal.
After suffering his first loss in 2008 in the hands of Rafael Concepcion, Banal, 20-1-1 with 16 knockouts, is on a winning romp, winning his last three bouts.
The 20-year-old Banal is unfazed by his experienced opponent as he plans to continue his winning streak in the bantamweight division.
“I’ll just show it on top of the ring,” said Banal in a press conference, formally announcing the top-billed boxing event next year, at the Sports Exchange Bar and Grill.
Record
Santos has a record of 24-11-3 with 14 knockouts, but he has already fought four world title fights against Veeraphol Shaprom for the WBC bantamweight crown, Fernando Montiel for the World Boxing Organization super flyweight belt, Dimitri Kirilov for the International Boxing Federation super flyweight title and Anselmo Moreno for the World Boxing Association bantamweight strap.
He has also fought elite fighters like Luis Melendez, Alejandro Valdez, Nestor Rocha and Wilfredo Vasquez Jr.
Banal is itching for another crack at a world title after failing his first bid against Concepcion.
“I’m always ready anytime if given the opportunity. I will fight any of the world champions,” said Banal.
However, ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer isn’t keen on rushing Banal for another world title bout. Instead, Aldeguer will be pitting Banal with tough experienced foes, like Santos, or former world champions to build up his experience.
Brain power
In the co-main event, the 21-year-old Melindo will be moving up in weight, to the flyweight category, to vie for Villareal’s regional title. They will be fighting at a catch weight of 110 pounds.
Although, Villareal is two inches taller and is a natural flyweight, Melindo isn’t bothered by his opponent’s size advantage.
“It’s not about the weight or how big you are but it’s how you use your brain,” said Melindo.
Melindo has a record of 19-0 with five knockouts and is the most highly-rated fighter in the Philippines, ranked at the top five of the four major boxing sanctioning bodies, while Villareal is 9-2 with four knockouts.
This is the first venture of Smart in the pro boxing business and they promised to bring bigger and better pro boxing fights in the months to come.
“Expect more boxing matches to come in a couple of months. This is just the beginning,” said Sports Marketing-Special Products of Smart Communications, Patrick Gregorio.
A part of the proceeds of this boxing event will go to ALA fighter Z Gorres, who is recuperating from a career-ending head injury.
