MEXICAN brawler Raul ?El Bule? Hidalgo was unfazed with the credentials of AJ ?Bazooka? Banal, whom he will face on ALA Promotion?s Pinoy Pride 13?Road to Glory at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel tomorrow.
Coming from a 20-hour trip from Mexico, Hidalgo, who arrived Wednesday evening, promised that he will be ready to give Banal a tough challenge for the latter?s WBO Asia Pacific Bantamweight title.
?I have prepared for six weeks. Right now I am tired because of many delayed flights going here. But on Saturday night I will be ready and I could knock out Banal,? said Hidalgo, who just had a knockout victory four weeks ago in Chihuahua-Mexico. Hidalgo is 16-5, 12 KOs.
Banal (26-1, 19KOs) offered no prediction aside from promising a good fight.
?I can?t promise any knockout. But if I?ll have the chance, then I?ll go for it. One thing I can assure you is that I have a good preparation for this fight,? Banal said.
ALA Promotions? Michael Aldeguer considered this fight a significant step for Banal?s goal.
?This fight is significant for AJ because this will be his road to solidify his hold as the WBO nantamweight no.1 contender. Hidalgo could give him a good fight and good preparation for the world title fight. Right now, we are just waiting for (Jorge Arce) who has challenged Nonito Donaire Jr. to vacate the title. But we are ready to fight Arce anytime, if given the chance,? Aldeguer said.
?I have no promises but I came here to win,? Hidalgo added.
Fighting underneath Banal and Hidalgo is the current OPBF flyweight champion Rocky ?Road Warrior? Fuentes who is also fighting a Mexican, Javier Franco, in a 10-round, non-title bout.
?I will fight until death,? Franco, who trained alongside Hidalgo in Chihuahua-Mexico said.
Also in the uncard is unbeaten Albert ?Price? Pagara, who will face Thai Phupha Por Nobnom for eight rounds.
