?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.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Young Gildo: The Baguio Bearcat
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Tue, 22 Apr 2025Filipino International Master Paulo Bersamina places solo runner-up in the 22nd Bangkok Chess Club Open in Thailand
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 22 Apr 2025Female Amateur Boxing Star Sar’ai Brown-El Signs with Split-T Management
Tue, 22 Apr 2025Apolinario to fight Hu in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 21 Apr 2025Warriors Shoot Down Rockets, 95-85 as Celtics, Cavaliers, Thunder Take Care of Business
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 21 Apr 20252025 USA Boxing International Open Finalized on Saturday
Mon, 21 Apr 2025Verano to face Thai in Clash of Nations on April 24
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 21 Apr 2025Masangkay to fight Ocampo in JAS on April 23
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Denver Holds Off LA Clippers in OT, 112-110
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Arca clinches 3rd and final IM norm; Guns for GM norm in last round
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025IN HER GOLDEN GIRL ERA: GABRIELA “SWEET POISON” FUNDORA SUCCESSFULLY DEFENDS UNDISPUTED TITLE AGAINST MARILYN BADILLO
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Fundora Retains Undisputed Flyweight Titles; Perez Shocks Conwell in Oceanside
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Dalton Smith Drops Mathieu German Three Times, Retains WBC Silver Title
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Filipino GM Antonio beats Serbia's IM for share of lead in Caberra Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Villanueva to fight Antaran on April 27 in Gensan
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 20 Apr 2025