SINCE suffering his only loss to Rafael Concepcion three years ago, AJ Banal has been raring for a rematch against his tormentor. However, before considering a rematch with Concepcion, the 22-year-old Cebuano must hurdle a difficult test on July 30 as he defends his World Boxing Organization Asia-Pacific bantamweight crown against Canadian up-and-comer Tyson Cave at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City.
?There has been a lot of talk about him (Cave) in Canada. We are happy to bring him here. This guy thinks he can make an upset,? ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer said during the official launching of the ?Pinoy Pride 7 ? Battle at Mactan? yesterday at the Plantation Bay. ?If he has an impressive showing on July 30, then we will bring in Rafael Concepcion.?
Concepcion, the former interim World Boxing Association super flyweight champion, handed Banal his first career loss in 2008 with a shocking 10th-round knockout at the Cebu Coliseum.
Aldeguer plans to set up the rematch either late September or early October, but it will all depend on Banal?s performance.
Cave, 15-1 with five knockouts, is the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) Continental Americas super bantamweight king. He is ranked 30th in the WBC and had an extensive amateur background, winning five Canadian titles in four different weight classes.
Cave also tried to join the Canadian Olympic boxing team but failed to make the cut due to a controversial technicality.
?He is looking at AJ as a stepping stone. He will come here to win,? said Aldeguer.
Banal, 24-1-1 with 19 knockouts, is on a hot streak since suffering his only defeat, winning his last seven fights.
?I have practiced hard. I watch his videos and he is a good boxer. His style is like Muhammad Ali,? he said.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on July 02, 2011.
