BOHOL’S AJ ?Bazooka? Banal is set to face South Korea’s Big Yoo on July 17 in the ?Sandugo: Labanan Ng Mga Kampeon? at the Carlos P. Garcia Sports Complex in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.
Banal, who holds a 21-18-1-1 (win-loss-draw) record will fight for the WBO Asia Pacific Bantamweight championship in Bohol for the second time. He is facing Yoo (16-11-2) in a 12-round showdown with a catch weight of 118 lbs.
WBO Interim Super flyweight champion and Korea Super Flyweight champion Yoo is known for his lethal body punches. He will be fighting for the first time in the Philippines.
ALA Promotions President Michael Aldeguer said it will be make or break for Banal.
He said if Banal loses to Yoo, he is most likely to hang his gloves for a long time.
But Banal assured everyone he already learned his lessons after he was defeated in the 10th round by Rafael ‘El Torito’ Concepcion of Panama for his first-ever loss.
Aldeguer assured Banal he will get a shot at a world title fight, where he will possibly face two-time world champion Luiz Perez this August. But all will depend on how Banal performs in this fight. Another option for Banal if he wins over the Korean is his rematch against Concepcion or against world champion Fernando Montiel.
The 21-year-old Banal said he is predicting a knockout against Yoo.
Meanwhile, in the co-main event, 18-year old stunner Jason Pagara (18-10-1) also from ALA Gym will square off against another Korean, Kim Young Bin (10-7-1).
Pagara is also among the potential boxers of ALA
