FEARSOME ANGKY SET TO TEST 'BAZOOKA' BANAL
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 18 Oct 2006
Indonesian champion Angky Angkota arrived last Tuesday in Cebu confident that he will be the first fighter to put a dent on RP no. 2 superfly Alex John Banal's perfect record, and he's doing it in knockout fashion.
Facing the media this afternoon in a special press conference at the Sen Ryu Restaurant along Salinas Drive accompanied by trainer Errol Van Room, the 24-year-old Angkota (17-3, 11 KO's) claimed that he is better than Ali Rochmad, and he will dispose of Banal within five rounds.
Indonesian Angky Angkota (left) and ALA Boy AJ Banal pose before the camera at today's presscon at the Sen Ryu Restaurant along Salinas Drive in Lahug, Cebu City. Photo by Dong Secuya.
Also in attendance to face the local media were Tagbilaran City Mayor and ALA legal consultant Dan Neri Lim, Jaime Murillo of Sen Ryu, Michael Aldeguer, Antonio L. Aldeguer, and promoter Sammy 'Don King' Gello-ani.
"This is going to be a big test for Banal. This fight will be a turning point in his career," informed Michael Aldeguer, who manages the ALA fighter.
Anky Angkota (2nd from right) poses with promoter Sammy Gello-ani (2nd from left) and his handlers upon the group's arrival this morning at the Cebu-Mactan Airport from Indonesia.
Banal-Angkota will serve as the co-feature to this Saturday's big card topbilling Z Gorres against another Indo fighter Sony Manakane at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex.
Gorres will be fighting his last tune-up bout before challenging for the WBO superfly title being held by Fernando Montiel.
If both Gorres and Banal come out victorious this Saturday, the plan is for them to leave for the US on October 25 along with the popular Rey 'Boom Boom' Bautista.
"WAR IN THE RING", From left: Promoter Sammy Gello-ani, Sen Ryu Restaurant manager Jaime Murillo, Angky Angkota of Indonesia, AJ Banal, Z Gorres, Tagbilaran City mayor Dan Neri Lim, Milan Melindo, Mark Jason Melliguen and ALA boxers manager Michael Aldeguer. Photo by Dong Secuya.
Meanwhile, a public preview is set today starting 5PM at the Fight Club in Banilad Trade Center, where Gorres and Banal, as well as Manakane and Angkona will be doing public workouts.
Also, Rey Bautista sees action in a public sparring session against three different fighters.
The official weigh-in is set on Friday, starting 11 a.m., at the ALA Gym, informed promoter Sammy Gello-ani.
Two other exciting bouts are expected to steal the thunder from the featured bouts, as ALA Boy Mark Jason Melliguen takes on Cris Alag, while Milan Milendo trades whacks with Ricardo Albia.
The rest of the bout pits Joseph Omanz against Tata Galendez; Dennis Juntillano versus Roldan Malinao; Jun Intor versus Carlo Magale; Wilson Haya against Markyll Taroja; Fernando Otik versus Elmer Colve; and Gil Melligen versus Jovi Merca.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
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