| |
|
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.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
WBC lifts the suspension imposed on Ryan Garcia
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 05 Nov 2025Siargao pug bags silver in Batang Pinoy
By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 05 Nov 2025Marcial-Colmenares Middleweight Bout Steals Show at Thrilla in Manila 50th Year (Part 2 of 2)
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Wed, 05 Nov 2025Brown vs. Seldin for the WBA Super Lightweight Interim World Title
, Wed, 05 Nov 2025FRANCIS LAFRENIÈRE MAKES COMEBACK NOV 29
, Wed, 05 Nov 2025OLYMPIC MEDALIST YUBERJEN MARTINEZ INKS WITH ALL STAR BOXING
, Wed, 05 Nov 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 3 November 2025: Mayer Outpoints Spencer to Unify 154 Belts; Buatsi's Controversial Win Over Parker; Pero Outpoints Thompson; Thrilla in Manila at 50 Results
By Eric Armit, , Tue, 04 Nov 2025Marcial-Colmenares Middleweight Bout Steals Show at Thrilla in Manila 50th Year (Part 1)
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Tue, 04 Nov 2025MATCHROOM BOXING ANNOUNCES HISTORIC ‘LIVE FROM GHANA’ EVENT FOR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20 AS CRAIG RICHARDS AND DAN AZEEZ COLLIDE IN ACCRA – LIVE WORLDWIDE ON DAZN
, Tue, 04 Nov 2025Bryce Mills Defeats James Bernadin By Unanimous Decision
, Mon, 03 Nov 2025NBA Daily: Wembanyama Struggles as Suns Give Spurs First Loss 130-118
By Reylan Loberternos, , Mon, 03 Nov 2025Oklahoma City Thunder the only undefeated NBA Team
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 03 Nov 2025RP Blu Boys Close Out Strong with Unbeaten Record in Japan Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 03 Nov 2025Pero Outlasts Thompson in Orlando, Secures Unanimous Decision Victory
, Mon, 03 Nov 2025Jonas Magpantay Crowned Qatar World Cup 10-Ball Champion
By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 03 Nov 2025Jonas Magpantay reaches Qatar World Cup 10-Ball Finals
By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 02 Nov 2025Pistons defeated Mavericks in NBA Game 34 in Mexico
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sun, 02 Nov 2025GM Antonio finishes 14th in World Senior Standard event
By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 02 Nov 2025NONITO DONAIRE FIGHTS SEIYA TSUTSUMI FOR THE WBA BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE
By Maloney L. Samaco, , Sun, 02 Nov 2025Luka Dončić Equals Wilt Chamberlain’s Historic Scoring Feat
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sun, 02 Nov 2025THRILLA IN MANILA II RESULTS: JERUSALEM, TAPALES, MARCIAL LEAD WINNERS
By Eric Armit, , Sun, 02 Nov 2025Last Pinoy Standing: Jonas Magpantay marches into semis in Qatar World Cup 10-Ball
By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 02 Nov 2025WEIGHTS FROM NIGHT OF KNOCKOUTS XXXVII AT MOTORCITY CASINO HOTEL
, Sat, 01 Nov 20253 Filipinos Reach Qatar World Cup 10-Ball Last 16, Biado Out
By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 01 Nov 2025Joshua Buatsi vs Zack Parker Headlines Manchester Show on DAZN
By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 01 Nov 2025 |
|
|
|
|
|
