BANAL TO HEADLINE HUGE CEBU CHARTER DAY EVENT
Fuentes-Mepranum Grudge Rematch in Undercard
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 08 Jan 2008
Cebu City's pride and joy, the undefeated ALA Boy AJ 'Bazooka' Banal, is set to headline a star-studded boxing card on February 22 at the New Cebu Coliseum as part of Cebu City's Charter Day Anniversary.
This was bared yesterday by boxing patron Antonio L. Aldeguer, who also indicated that although there have been reports of Banal seeing action in the March 15 Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez battle, Golden Boy Promotions has yet to formally tender its offer to Banal.
"Golden Boy has not asked us officially... so we cannot say about it. Banal is slated to fight in Cebu Coliseum on February 22 as part of Charter Day," said Aldeguer.
For his part, ALA Gym president Michael Aldeguer said "we are flattered of the offer for Banal to fight in the Pacquiao-Marquez undercard and we are open to it." But Banal's slot in the huge March 15 event in Las Vegas has yet to be officially discussed.
The 19-year-old Banal, who is considered by many boxing fans as a very strong candidate for a world crown, is coming off a sensational ninth-round technical knockout win over Mexican national champion Jovanny Soto last December 2 at the Araneta Coliseum.
"I am fighting in Cebu next. That's my schedule so far," confirmed Banal in an earlier interview at the ALA Gym.
FUENTES-MEPRANUM GRUDGE REMATCH SET
After their highly-exciting first bout, expect things to get even more explosive as Philippine flyweight champion Rocky Fuentes seeks revenge when he defends his title against the very talented Richie Mepranum in a 12-round battle on February 22 at the New Cebu City Coliseum.
The grudge rematch is part of the huge card being put up for the Charter Day anniversary of Cebu City, said sportsman Antonio L. Aldeguer yesterday.
"I'm not afraid of him. We have a score to settle. I will be ready," Fuentes said, adding that he has been working out real hard in preparation for Mepranum, who dealt him a split decision loss last December 2 at the Araneta in their eight-round non-title showdown.
Prior to that bout, Fuentes had beaten former Olympian Danilo Lerio in a 12-round scorcher at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel, and won the RP title with a stoppage win over RWS fighter Benedict Suico.
Mepranum, considered by experts as one of Mindanao's best-kept secrets, is a young prospect to watch out for who hails from Maasim, Saranggani Province. (With reports from Dong Secuya)
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
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