MANILA, Philippines?Only 19 years old, Filipino AJ ?Bazooka? Banal believes he is ripe for a world title.
Banal seeks a place in Philippine boxing lore when he clashes with Rafael Concepcion of Panama for the vacant World Boxing Association super flyweight title on July 26 at the Cebu City Coliseum.
?I?m very prepared,? Banal, member of Cebu?s famed ALA Stable, said during the PSA Forum at the Shakey?s UN Avenue branch Tuesday. ?I don?t want this opportunity to slip away, especially because I will be fighting in my hometown.?
Rated No. 3 by the WBA, Banal, who has already logged a total of 136 rounds of sparring for the fight, could become the country?s fifth world titleholder, after World Boxing Council superfeatherweight king Manny Pacquiao, World Boxing Organization bantam titlist Gerry Pe?alosa, International Boxing Federation flyweight champion Nonito Donaire and Donnie Nietes, owner of the WBO miniflyweight title.
A Banal victory could also pave the way for his showdown with WBA No. 1-rated Nobou Nashiro of Japan in September, according to ALA Promotions vice president Dennis Ca?ete.
Ca?ete said their long-term goal is for Banal to face WBC flyweight champion Christian Mijares, who dethroned WBC champion Alexander Mu?oz of Panama early this year.
But the Cebuano southpaw, armed with a record of 18 victories (14 KOs) and a draw, isn?t looking past Concepcion, who has 10 wins (6 KOs) and two losses in 13 fights.
?I?ve seen him fight and he is also tough,? Banal said, aware that Concepcion can both be a fighter and a slugger.
