From rags to riches. It is seemingly the standard storyline behind any successful boxer but it is along this well trodden path which AJ Banal is making his way.
He turned to the sweet science at a very early age in a bid to become the ?breadwinner? for his family and the journey which began that day could reach its natural conclusion on October 20th when he fights Pungluang Sor Singyu for the vacant WBO bantamweight belt.
Banal, who has trained at the renowned ALA Boxing Gym in Cebu City for almost 15 years, suffered disappointment the first time he fought for a world title and is desperate to make amends against the Thai boxer,
?I fought for a world title before against Rafael Concepcion, I didn?t have as much experience and I was very tense because it was my first time fighting for a world title. Next time I will be more relaxed because my experience is bigger now, I am more mature and know how to fight. I learned a lot from losing that fight, it was a lesson for me.?
It was also the only loss of Banal?s career as, after seeing his first fight declared a draw due to an accidental clash of heads, he has run up a 28-1-1 record. It has helped him to provide for his family but for the ?rags to riches? journey to really be complete he needs secure future pay days by claiming that elusive world title,
?I started boxing at ALA Boxing Gym when I was 9 years old because my family were so very poor and I wanted to be the breadwinner, that?s why I wanted to do boxing. I had my first amateur fight when I was 9 years old and I have had over 100 amateur fights before I turned pro when I was about 16. Now I have a daughter and I take care of her and I take care of my whole family, my Father and Mother are happy I am doing well at boxing.?
Banal has already been under the bright lights of Las Vegas once, boxing on the undercard when Oscar de La Hoya fought Floyd Mayweather in the so called ?fight of the century?. He beat Mexican Juan Alberto Rosas by unanimous decision that night and thinks further fights in the US could beckon if he keeps on winning,
?After this fight I think maybe I will go to the US to train. I trained with De La Hoya in Puerto Rico and with Shane Mosley and I trained at Wild Card as well but not at the same time as Manny Pacquiao. I would like to fight in the US again some day but it is up to ALA Promotions.?
The 23 year old?s next fight will be at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Manila and a large crowd is expected as the Pinoy Pride series has proved extremely popular in the Philippines. His Thai opponent has 42 wins with 27 knockouts and has only lost once in his entire career but Banal is confident he can get the better of him,
?I am a little bit nervous about my next fight because it is for a world title but that is normal. I will do my best to get a knockout but I will be happy as long as I win. I think it will be an exciting fight, I have a tape of him and he has fought a lot of Filipinos, good fighters, but not as good as me!?
Banal?s ALA Boxing Gym team mate Rey ?Boom Boom? Bautista will also be fighting for a world title on the card at Pinoy Pride 17. For more information visit: www.alaboxing.com.
