Feeling at home: Thai

FIGHTING in enemy territory as a huge underdog can be quite overwhelming for most boxers but for Thai prospect Pungluang Sor Singyu, it will just be like fighting at home.

“I’m very happy to fight in the Philippines. It feels just like fighting in Thailand.

I will fight like how I fight in Thailand. Nothing will change,” Sor Singyu, who has beaten a total of 14 Filipino boxers, said yesterday in a press conference for his world title clash with AJ Banal for the vacant World Boxing Organization bantamweight crown on Oct. 20 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Out of 43 total bouts, this will just be Sor Singyu’s second fight outside his native land. Although his first fight outside of his country didn’t go his way, the 24-year-old former Muay Thai fighter is confident that it will go his way this time around.

“AJ Banal is a strong fighter. He has good technique but I believe I can beat him,” he said. “I am stronger than Banal. I love fighting Filipinos and I want to win by knockout.”

Sor Singyu, 43-1 with 27 knockouts, fought in Belgium in 2009 and suffered the first setback of his career in a closely-contested split decision loss to Stephane Jamoye.

On the other hand, Banal, one of the most promising fighters in the country, is unfazed by his opponent’s credentials.

“We will see on top of the ring. He wants to knock me out and I also want to knock him out. I will do everything to win,” he said.

Banal once fought for a world title against Rafael Concepcion for the interim World Boxing Association super flyweight belt over four years ago at the age of 19.

Somehow, he cracked under pressure and got knocked out in the 10th round by Concepcion. He promised that history won't repeat itself because he has learned a lot from that loss.

“I already know how to pace myself. I have the experience and I have fought some worldclass fighters,” he said. “In my mind I feel that I am very powerful now.”

Banal has gained a lot of experience since suffering his first defeat in 2008.

He is riding on the coattails of a 13-fight winning streak, beating the likes of former world champion Luis Alberto Perez, Cecilio Santos and Mario Briones.