PASAY CITY , Philippines ? AJ ?Bazooka? Banal (28-1, 21KOs) hopes to have a date with history as he battles Thai Pungluang Sorsingyu (42-1, 27KOs) for the vacant WBO bantamweight championship in the main event of the “Pinoy Pride XVII:Philippines vs. the World” tonight at the Arena of SM Mall of Asia here.
?All my life, I have been waiting for this opportunity. This means so much for me,? said Banal, who easily scaled in at exactly 118 pounds during the official weigh-in yesterday at the Music Hall of Asia’s largest shopping mall. In contrast, Sorsingyu had to shed off an extra pound before making the regulatory weight limit.
?This is my time and there is no stopping me from getting that belt,” added the ALA Boxing Gym star.
Banal, the reigning WBO Asia-Pacific champion, sees this fight as a defining moment of his career considering that he went through a difficult journey before eventually earning a world title shot.
?I know my opponent (Sorsingyu) and me have the same dream to be a world champion but I believe that my dream is much stronger. I am ready give it all,? said the pride of Brgy. Ermita, Cebu City.
Banal, who faltered in first world title attempt four years ago, said he is now a hundred percent ready for the most important challenge that smacked his way since his devastating 10th round knockout loss to Panamian Rafael “El Torito” Concepcion right before his hometown fans in 2008 at the Cebu Coliseum.
For his part, ALA top honcho Antonio ?Bidoy? L. Aldeguer said this event is of paramount importance not only for the personal pride of Banal but also for the greater glory of Philippine boxing.
?We need to have a champion like Banal who can continue what (Manny) Pacquiao has started,? said Aldeguer. ?This will be a very significant fight not only for ALA Promotions but for Philippine boxing.?
ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer admitted that this is not going to be an easy bout for Banal as Sorsingyu came here with a one goal in mind – stun Banal before his fellow countrymen.
?This is now or never for Banal. He waited for this chance for four years,? said Aldeguer. ?Philippine is now starting to be one of the world?s biggest boxing mecca and a win of Banal will strengthen this claim.?
In the supporting main event, the resurgent ALA mainstay Rey ?Boom Boom? Bautista (33-2, 25KOs) shoots for the vacant WBO International featherweight belt when he takes the overweight Mexican hard-puncher Daniel Ruiz (27-5, 19KOs).
Ruiz came three pounds heavier than the required weight limit of 126 pounds. Hence, he will be wearing bigger gloves of 10 ounce and has lost his chance to capture the crown.
In the other feature of the triple championship card, another ALA standout in Jason ?El Nino? Pagara (29-2, 18KOs) will defend his WBO International light welterweight throne against the undefeated Miguel “Hands of Stone” Antoine (17-0, 9KOs) of Barbados.
The rest of action-packed matches pit Michael ?Bruce Lee? Domingo (44-16, 23KOS) against Mudden Ntambe Rabison (19-2, 7KOs) of Uganda and Cebuano prospect Marlon ?Nightmare? Tapales (19-1, 6KOs) versus Rasmanudin (15-2, 8KOs) of Indonesia. (FREEMAN)
