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BANAL EXCITED TO MEET DE LA HOYA!
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 26 Mar 2007
A few hours from now, ALA Boys Rey 'Boom Boom' Bautista and Alex John 'Bazooka' Banal, together with trainer Edito Villamor, will be flying out to Los Angeles for their training.
A week later, they will join Oscar De la Hoya and trainer Freddie Roach in Puerto Rico.
But for the US first-timer Banal, this trip is the result of long years of hard-work and sweat, and he says he is enjoying every bit of the moment.
"I am very, very, very excited in my first trip to America. Now, I am going to finally step into my dream," said the likeable 18-year-old, who is undefeated as a pro fighter.
Banal grew up in the squatters' area in Ermita, and making it to the United States is indeed a dream-come-true.
Of course, the cherry on the icing would have to be meeting his boyhoold idol Oscar De la Hoya, in fact, he will not only be meeting the Golden Boy, but he will be training with him as well.
"His eyes would light up everytime I mention Oscar's name. Imagine, he will be training with Oscar, the guy whom Banal would only see on television years past," said trainer Villamor.
According to Villamor, a group of sparmates have already been prepared in Puerto Rico for both Bautista and Banal, to make sure they get their quality sparring sessions for their May 5 assignments.
"Banal is very happy and excited for this trip. I can't begin to describe how motivated he is for this," added Villamor.
The trio will leave on a PAL flight PR 102 that departs at 10 tonight.
Happy trip to the ALA Team!
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
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