CEBU, Philippines – After the painful defeat of AJ ?Bazooka? Banal, ALA Promotions President Michael P. Aldeguer said it?s time to put the Filipino boxer?s dream of becoming a world champion on hold so they can focus more on other Pinoy prospects.
?For now, Banal era will be put on hold as other Filipino fighters will rise,” said Aldeguer in a phone interview with The FREEMAN.
Aldeguer admitted that Banal?s stinging setback to Thai Pungluang Sorsingyu in their WBO bantamweight title bout the other night at the SM Mall of Asia is one of the toughest defeats not only for the ALA Stable but also for the Philippine boxing.
But Aldeguer believed that Banal did everything he could to win and never quitted against the skillful Thai fighter.
?Banal tried his best and he has nothing to be ashamed of. You have to give credit to Pungluang who was very determined and took the punches of Banal well. On the other side, Banal couldn’t take Pungluang’s punches. Banal tried to stand up but his legs were wobbly.
Aldeguer said they will give Banal the much needed rest before evaluating their next career move for him.
?Banal is still young, he can still bounce back. Right now, we will just let him rest. We will decide later on what would be our next step in his career,? said Aldeguer.
Banal is undoubtedly one of the most talented Filipino ring gladiators today but Aldeguer realized that skill is not enough to be a world champion.
?He (Banal) also has his limitations. I think that aside from skills, you also need to have a strong chin,? added Aldeguer.
On the other hand, Aldeguer said Banal’s loss will not hinder their plans to bring world-class events in the country, even as they also continue their quest to produce more world champions in the future.
“What I would like to stress is something that the public may not be aware of is that ALA Gym is a different entity from the ALA Promotions. One of the fighters of ALA Gym failed but the promotion was a success and that is what we would like to do, stage world-class boxing events in the Philippines and showcase the Filipino talents not only from ALA Gym from different stables like we are doing now with Braveheart of Manny Pi?ol and Marlon Tapaes of Wakee Salud Stable,” said Aldeguer.
“Pinoy Pride events will be bigger next year because of the great fights and not every time Filipinos win,” assured Aldeguer.
In a stunner, Sorsingyu stopped Banal in the ninth round to capture the vacant WBO bantamweight throne.
A four-punch combination to the jaw and face sent Banal, the top-ranked WBO fighter in the division, crashing to the canvas at 1:45 of round nine.
The 23-year-old Filipino got up before the full count, but with with blood masking the right side of his face, American referee Tony Weeks did not allow him to continue.
The 24-year-old Thai right-hander, the WBO’s second-ranked bantamweight, was the aggressor throughout, using left jabs to devastating effect to split Banal’s right eyelid open in the third round.
This allowed Pungluang to continually back Banal, a fast, counter-punching left-hander, toward the ropes where the Thai unloaded with his powerful right fist.
The win was his 43rd, and his 17th against Filipino boxers, against a single loss.
Banal absorbed his second loss against 28 wins and a draw.
