FANS GET TO KNOW THESE ALA BOYS San Mateo, CA- As “The World Awaits” the May 5th showdown between Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather Jr., two fighters who will fight on the undercard are quietly training in Puerto Rico. Rey “Boom-Boom” Bautista and A.J “Bazooka” Banal usually arrive at the Wilfredo Gomez Boxing Gym at 4 PM, or two hours before De La Hoya gets to the gym, to meet with their and De La
Hoya’s trainer Freddie Roach
TRAINING UNDER OSCAR WITH ROACH It was Roach that requested Bautista and Banal to fly to Puerto Rico so he can personally work with them. Unlike the Wild Card Gym, located in Hollywood, CA, where dozens of autograph seekers cramp the sweatbox-like gym to get a glimpse of fighters working out, Bautista and Banal enter a quiet gym where they can focus the work at hand. “Oscar does not even need a bodyguard at the gym,” explained Edito “Ala” Vilamor, who trains and mentors the two fighters from Cebu when Roach is not available.
BOOM-BOOM OPENS “WORLD AWAITS” PPV
While at the Alamodome last week watching Bernabe Concepcion win a ten round decision, I was surprised to see over 9,000 boxing fans already seated, watching the curtain raiser at 4 PM. By the time Brian Viloria stepped into the ring at 8 PM, all 14,000 plus in the arena were filled. In contrast, by 6 PM Las Vegas time, it’s likely less than 1,000 people will observe Rey Bautista face Sergio Media, in a jr. featherweight (122 lbs.) showdown at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. That won’t bother Bautista because he still considers this his biggest opportunity to become a star. Vilamor explained that as long as Rey is on T.V and millions of people watch him, Baustisa’s happy. HBO had already cited Bautista as one of the top prospects in boxing, prompting Larry Merchant to proclaim “Boom-Boom” as the “next typhoon to cross the pacific!”
BANAL IN TOUGH AT THE AGE OF 18!
Alex John Banal is only 18-years-old and will fight for the first time in the United States and against a world rated-opponent, Alberto Rosas. Banal, 12-0-1 (10 KOs), seemed very excited going overseas for the first time, fulfilling the dream that past Filipino champions have had in showcasing their talents in the U.S. Rugged as they come, Rosas, 25-2 (22 KOs), is a kid himself at 22. He won his first 25 fights in dominating fashion before losing two straight decisions. Vilamor explained, “We don’t have any fight footage of Rosas. We were told he’s good with power and that he is right handed. This is important information for A.J, who is a southpaw.”
TRAINING IN THREE DIFFERENT COUNTRIES
When Marco Antonio Barrera lost to Manny Pacquiao in 2003, one of the reasons he felt he was not mentally prepared for a battle was leaving training camp in the mountains at Big Bear several weeks early because of fires. For Barrera, an established, long-time champion, switching training sites in the late stages of camp proved to be more distracting than beneficial. However, for two prospects who can not even legally buy alcohol in the United States, country hopping during training camp has been a great experience for the “ALA Boys.”
CAN’T SAY THEY DIDN’T GET WORK
Before leaving for Los Angeles, the boys had over 48 rounds of sparring and equally as many rounds on the mitts, speed bag, shadow boxing, and heavy bag. After attending the Gabriel “Flash” Elorde Awards Night on March 25th, where Vilamor received the “Trainer of the Year” award. At the Wild Card, Bautista and Banal had 40 rounds of sparring before leaving for Puerto Rico, where they have currently logged in another 32 each. They will get on an American Airlines flight in San Juan and land in Las Vegas on the night of April 29th.
HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN SAY THIS?
For some, the constant change of environment and traveling could be distracting. The Ala boys have been in three different countries in three months. However, Edito “Ala” Vilamor considers this experience a “once in a lifetime opportunity.” Vilamor said, “Rey and A.J got to train at home and be with friends and family before flying to L.A. There, we got to share a training camp with Manny Pacquiao. Then in Puerto Rico, we share the same gym with Oscar De La Hoya in the biggest fight ever. No one can say that!”
GOLDEN BOY TAKING “GREAT” CARE OF PAIR
For the most part, Filipino’s should not have a hard time adjusting to life in United States. However, staying in Puerto Rico for several weeks can be a cultural shock to anyone of any race. While in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Bautista and Banal asked me, “What kind of food do they have Puerto Rico?” A boxer’s diet is crucial to any camp because they have to make weight. Currently, Bautista weighs in at 129 lbs. (weight limit is 122) and Banal tips the scale at 120 (115 lb. bout). In terms of diet, Vilamor informs, “Eric Gomez and Joel De La Hoya are making sure we have everything we need.”
