?BAZOOKA? BANAL IN PEAK FORM
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 05 Jul 2010
AJ ?Bazooka? Banal gave an explosive preview of his July 17 WBO Asia-Pacific Bantamweight title fight during a fiery sparring session Saturday afternoon at the ALA Gym of Cebu. Banal sported a mean and hungry look as he went through a series of sparring partners with relative ease. He will face Big Yoo of South Korea at the at the Carlos P. Garcia Sports Complex in Tagbilaran City, Bohol in a fight card billed as fight card is billed as ?SANDUGO-Labanan ng mga Kampeon?.
The 21 year old Banal (21W-1L-1D, 17 KO's) has won four straight fights, three by knockout, since the loss to Rafael Concepcion last July 2008. He would like to face Concepcion again and dreams of fighting world champs like Yohnny Perez and Fernando Montiel and even move up in weight to face Wilfredo Vasquez,Jr. There are plans for him to face former IBF superflyweight champ Luis Perez of Nicaragua this August.
The 21 year old Yoo (16W-2L, 11KO's) was born in Japan but currently resides in Seoul, South Korea. He is a former WBO interim Asia-Pacific superflyweight titlist and former Korean superflyweight champ.
Banal said that ?I have learned to pace myself in every round. I learned how to pick my spots. My confidence is back and people will see a new AJ Banal.?
Yoo has never been knocked out and it would be very interesting if he manages to bring and test Banal into the late rounds.
Top photo: AJ 'Bazooka' Banal (R) spars Saturday in preparation for his upcoming fight on July 17 in Bohol. Photo by Dong Secuya.
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