?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:
NEWCASTLE WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND FIGHT NIGHT RUNNING ORDER CONFIRMED AS MURTAZALIEV AND KELLY CLASH FOR WORLD TITLE
Fri, 30 Jan 2026Boxers Make Weight for Brico Santig’s Exciting 21-Bout Promotion in Thailand (PHOTOS)
By Carlos Costa, Fri, 30 Jan 2026“It’s time for TSABZ to shine” Get to know Tanaka Saburi as he retuns March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
Fri, 30 Jan 2026ATLANTIC CITY BOXING HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES CLASS OF 2026
Fri, 30 Jan 2026Manny Pacquiao Chess Philippines: WCM Nika Juris Nicolas is Ready to Fight
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 30 Jan 2026PFDA Grass Nationals in Tagum on June 5-7
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 30 Jan 2026Press Conference Notes: Puerto Rican Star Xander Zayas Ready for Saturday's Hometown Unification Battle against Abass Baraou
Fri, 30 Jan 2026PFDA Grass Nationals in Tagum on June 5-7
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 30 Jan 2026‘THE RING 6’ TEOFIMO LOPEZ VS. SHAKUR STEVENSON PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Fri, 30 Jan 2026NEWCASTLE PRESS CONFERENCE: WHAT WAS SAID AS JOSH KELLY AND BAKHRAM MURTAZALIEV ARE KEPT APART AFTER HEATED FACE-OFF
Fri, 30 Jan 2026Weights From ProBoxTV’s ‘Flores vs. Castillo’ at Live! Casino Hotel Maryland
Fri, 30 Jan 2026WAPA Deportes Confirmed as Puerto Rican Broadcast Home for Saturday’s Xander Zayas vs. Abass Baraou Title Unification Showdown
Fri, 30 Jan 2026Legendary Panamanian Juan Carlos Tapia will be inducted into the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 30 Jan 2026Manny Pacquiao Promotions Announces Additional Matchups for Saturday, February 28 Event at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York
Fri, 30 Jan 2026SWERVE TV STRIKES MULTI-YEAR PARTNERSHIP WITH GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS TO EXPAND PREMIUM BOXING CONTENT
Fri, 30 Jan 2026