BANAL IMPRESSES ROACH IN PUERTO RICO!
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 11 Apr 2007
Unbeaten Filipino boxing sensation Alex John 'Bazooka' Banal has been reportedly given the two-thumbs-up by celebrated trainer Freddie Roach in Puerto Rico.
Roach, according to sources, has been holding the mitts for Banal, and was quoted as saying Banal can go far places with his boxing skills and power.
"Banal has been toying with his sparmates at the Wilfredo Gomez gym, earning the adulation of Roach," said a source.
Filipino trainer Edito Villamor also said that Roach said Banal is "very, very good" prompting the ALA gym chief trainer to tell Roach, "I told you so."
Banal is currently in Puerto Rico with Rey 'Boom Boom' Bautista to join Oscar De la Hoya in training for their respective May 5 bouts on the record-breaking 'The World Awaits' card.
Even before Banal could reach the US, talks were already swirling around the Wild Card Gym about the 18-year-old Banal, who has been beating up both local and foreign opponents.
Rey 'Boom Boom' Bautista, meanwhile, has been sparring against the much bigger Australian prospect Lenny Zippaviglia, who also sparred with superstar Manny Pacquiao a few days ago.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
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