ALMOST four years have gone by since that disappointing night when a 19-year-old AJ ?Bazooka? Banal failed to capture a world title and suffered his first career defeat.
Now at 23, and nine fights since that 10th round knockout loss against Rafael Concepcion, Banal has already overcome his demons and is ready to once again try his luck at a coveted world title.
?My confidence is back,? Banal said yesterday in a press conference at Cityscape launching ?Pinoy Pride 13 ? Road to Glory?. ?I like it even more, now that I?m a more complete fighter and that my confidence in my skills has come back.?
?Road to Glory? fits well as Banal?s next fight on March 24 at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu City because this will be the gate to his path for a world title this year.
?AJ Banal has to do well in this fight for him to fight for a world title,? said ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer.
Banal is defending his World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia-Pacific bantamweight title against Mexican prospect Raul Hidalgo in the 13th installment of the ?Pinoy Pride? series. Also included in the card are promising fighters Rocky Fuentes, Arthur Villanueva and Albert Pagara.
Banal has countless options on which organization to fight for a world title because he is rated No. 1 in the WBO, No. 3 in the International Boxing Federation (IBF), also No. 3 in the World Boxing Association and No. 6 in the World Boxing Council.
Aldeguer is exploring Banal?s options and is targeting the WBO and IBF bantamweight crowns.
Jorge Arce currently holds the WBO bantamweight crown but if ever he decides to move up to super bantamweight and challenge WBO titleholder Nonito Donaire Jr., then Banal could be facing No. 2 rated Thai Pungluang Sor Singyu for the vacant crown. However, if Arce decides to stay, then the Cebuano could fight the veteran Mexican star in a mandatory title fight.
?Arce could be a possibility. It would be a great fight and a great opportunity for AJ,? said Aldeguer.
Aldeguer said that he will start negotiations with Branko Milenkovic next week for a possible clash between Banal and South African Vusi Malinga for the IBF bantamweight crown recently vacated by Abner Mares.
The long and arduous wait for Banal is worthwhile because glory is the prize that awaits him at the end of the road.
