BANAL?S OPPONENT TO TRAIN IN U.S.
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 18 Jun 2008
Rafael Concepcion.
The Panamanian opponent of AJ ?Bazooka? Banal for the World Boxing Association super flyweight title, Rafael ?El Torito? Concepcion, will leave his hometown of Panama City to head to New York this weekend.
Fight Beat reported that Concepcion will join renowned trainers Hector Roca and Pedro Romero to resume training at the world famous boxing institution , Gleason?s gym in Brooklyn.
Concepcion is managed by Optimum Sports Agency whose Damon de Berry said ?Rafael will surprise a lot of people on July 26. We are going into their country and fighting their champion, but we are also going to come away with the win.?
Concepcion has dreamt of becoming a world champion since he was a child but his dream may well be turned into a nightmare against the hard-hitting southpaw AJ ?Bazooka? Banal who continues to train diligently at the famed ALA Gym in Cebu owned by respected boxing patron Tony Aldeguer.
Youthful Michael Aldeguer who has quietly assumed the mantle of his father Tony told Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today that Banal was doing ?very, very well? and was sparring eight rounds with peomising Weng Haya and Bon Jovi ?who comes right at you.?
Aldeguer said Banal?s weight was ?very controlled? and was not at 122 pounds. He said Banal will step up sparring next week and will go ten rounds and later possibly twelve for the next two weeks.
The Banal-Concepcion world title fight will be telecast by the giant broadcast network ABS-CBN ?live? from the Cebu City Coliseum.
Panama has two world champions at present, Anselmo Moreno and Celestino Caballero while the Philippines has four world titles held by ring idol Manny Pacquiao, Gerry Penalosa, Nonito Donaire and Donnie Nietes.
Panama is best remembered for its Hall-of-Famer, Roberto ?Hands of Stone? Duran.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Manny Pacquiao Arrives in LA to Oversee Son Jimuel's Highly Anticipated Pro Debut
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 09 Nov 2025Robert Racasa Shines for the Philippines on First Day of World Memory Championships
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 09 Nov 2025P20k for 42k winners in 3rd SDSPPO
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 09 Nov 2025Weights Set for Tomorrow’s Sanman Boxing Show in General Santos City
Sat, 08 Nov 2025Vergil Ortiz vs. Erickson Lubin: Can Lubin Tip the Ortiz/Ennis Apple Cart?
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 08 Nov 2025Gibbons’ ‘Thrilla’ regrets
By Joaquin Henson, Sat, 08 Nov 2025Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Erickson Lubin Set for Explosive Showdown in Fort Worth
Sat, 08 Nov 2025Ring Officials Announced for Michael Hunter Vs Eli Frankham - York Hall, 5th December
Sat, 08 Nov 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Baseball in the Sulaimán Family
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Sat, 08 Nov 2025Shields signs $8 million multi year contract with Salita Promotions
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 08 Nov 2025A TIBUTE TO VICTOR CONTE
Sat, 08 Nov 2025Lhuillier Lauds RP Blu Boys’ Triumph in Japan Tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 08 Nov 2025FIDE Rated Chess Tournament Pasig Police Board Patrol Checkpoint Challenge
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 08 Nov 2025MANNY PACQUIAO VS. FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. ONCE AGAIN
By Maloney L. Samaco, Fri, 07 Nov 2025NBA Reportedly Met with Congress Regarding Gambling Issues
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 07 Nov 2025