Truth is, AJ Banal would’ve given his life in that ring if only he could upend the unfortunate outcome of his title bid against Pungluang Sor Singyu of Thailand. I know this, because I have gotten to know this kid.
I witnessed how this humble pugilist dedicated himself and worked on his trade. He went through all the rigors of training, strength and conditioning, and even sessions with a psychiatrist to prepare his mind for the grueling task at hand. He took no shortcuts to achieve success, spent a lot of time away from his family to prepare for his quest, but in the end, Banal simply faced a fighter better than him.
It’s heartbreaking to see a fighter leave everything in the ring only to fall short. But as insensitive and obnoxious hecklers ridicule fallen warriors in defeat, this I say: “An apathetic winner may get praise, but a dedicated loser wins my respect.”
There may not be any trophies or belts for effort, but Banal has many reasons to hold his head high even after his devastating loss. He gave it his all; his blood, sweat, and in the end, his tears. Often lost in defeat, is the valiance behind the endeavor. Banal labored in amassing 11 straight victories after his 10th round knockout loss in his first attempt at becoming a world champion against Rafael Concepcion back in July of 2008. He was doing well for majority of the fight against Sor Singyu, and was actually ahead in 2 of the 3 judges’ scorecards prior to succumbing in the 9th.
The man gave it all he had. Truth of the matter is, no matter how good matchmakers are, and how hard fighters train, the Manny Pacquiaos, Floyd Mayweathers, and Nonito Donaires of the boxing world simply have special talent in them the way the LeBrons and Kobes do in basketball. They can’t all become great world champions, but they all deserve respect for gallantly trying.
