Superflyweight prospect A. J. Banal is out to prove he deserves trainer Freddie Roach?s billing as the Filipino fighter with the most potential to become a world champion.
Banal, 18, takes on Mexico?s Juan Alberto (The Monster) Rosas in a 10-round bout immediately before ALA stablemate Rey (Boom Boom) Bautista faces Argentina?s unbeaten Sergio Medina in the undercard of the Oscar de la Hoya-Floyd Mayweather, Jr. mainer at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas tomorrow morning (Manila time). (Related story on A-27)
Rosas, 22, is no patsy with a 25-2 record, including 22 KOs. He turned pro in 2001 and racked up 17 straight KOs to start his career on a high note. His most impressive win was a ninth round stoppage of Omar Ni?o Romero, who dethroned Brian Viloria as WBC lightflyweight titlist last year.
The rap on Rosas is he?s coming off back-to-back losses on points to Jose Lopez (majority) and Sergio Espinoza (unanimous), the only blemishes in his record. But he?s never been knocked out and he?s eager to bounce back at Banal?s expense. Rosas saw action in the undercard of the Juan Manuel Marquez-Marco Antonio Barrera bout at Mandalay Bay last March.
Banal has never fought outside the Philippines and it remains to be seen if he?s able to keep his feet on the ground under the glitzy lights of Las Vegas in the millennium?s biggest boxing show.
ALA stable owner Tony Aldeguer, now in Las Vegas, said he hopes Rosas will bring out the best in Banal.
“Rosas is a typical Mexican fighter who likes to engage and slug it out,” said Aldeguer. “He?s never been down and his knockout record is scary. But he?s the kind of opponent I want for Banal. The fight will show whether Banal has it or not. He?s ready to fight and he knows he?s up against a good and strong opponent.”
Roach made his assessment on Banal after training him and Bautista with the ALA stable?s Edito Villamor for 3 1/2 weeks to prepare for tomorrow?s fights in de la Hoya?s boot camp in Puerto Rico.
“Freddie is very impressed with Banal,” said Aldeguer. “He thinks Banal has more potential than any other young Filipino fighter today. He was so impressed with Banal that he even suggested sparring with (former WBC welterweight champion) Carlos Baldomir. But Edito didn?t agree because of the weight difference. That?s how much confidence Freddie has in Banal. Edito, of course, didn?t want to risk it.”
Baldomir, 36, has beaten the likes of Zab Judah and Arturo Gatti and lost to Floyd Mayweather, Jr. on points last November. The Argentine takes on Vernon Forrest in Memphis on May 19.
“I?ve seen Banal fight since he was nine or 10 years old,” said Aldeguer. “I saw him win the gold in Batang Pinoy. I think he can handle the pressure of fighting in a big card. My concept is if you train hard, you?ll be ready to win. Banal has inborn skills. He?s the complete package. I?m confident he?ll live up to Freddie?s expectations.”
Banal, a southpaw, drew with Sonny Saguing in his pro debut two years ago. He later beat Saguing via a six-round decision in a rematch. Banal?s record is 12-0-1, with 10 KOs including three in the first round.
