GOLDEN BOY LOOKS AT BANAL, GABI FOR PACQUIAO-MARQUEZ CARD
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 07 Jan 2008
Golden Boy Promotions vice president and international matchmaker Eric Gomez says they want to see if AJ ?Bazooka? Banal ?is going to be available? to fight on the undercard of the rematch between Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao and Mexico?s Juan Manuel Marquez.
In an overseas telephone conversation with Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today, Gomez said that Top Rank?s Bob Arum gets half of the fights and Golden Boy gets half and aside from Ciso Morales he wants to include Banal and Diosdado Gabi in Golden Boy?s half of the show.
However, Gomez said he would have to talk to Michael Aldeguer who has assumed the mantle of his father Tony Aldeguer to find out what their plans are for Banal since he still hasn?t signed up with Golden Boy despite a contract that was sent some four months ago.
Gomez revealed plans to pit Gabi (30-3-1, 21 KO?s) against the talented 22 year old Abner Mares (15-0, 9 KO?s) and predicted it would be ?a good fight.? The Golden Boy executive said Gabi ?needs a big fight and wants to get paid well since he has a family and he?s willing to do anything.?
Gomez said he had spoken to Billy Keane who manages Gabi and was told the little Filipino ?wants to fight anybody.?
In the case of Banal who mamny believe is the Philippines best prospect for a next world title, Gomez said he had "a very good performance in his last fight" when he stopped Mexican Jovanny Soto.
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