Wednesday, May 09, 2007 Fiery Banal breaks into world ranks
THE latest boxing sensation, Cebuano AJ “Bazooka” Banal, has already caught the world’s attention even before he fought during the much-anticipated “The World Awaits” card last Sunday in Las Vegas.
His tremendous performance over the hard-punching Mexican Jose Alberto Rosas, only boosted Banal’s rise following his unanimous decision win after eight rounds.
In the latest release of the world rankings, the 18-year-old Banal already figures in the three boxing sanctioning bodies. Last March, he was only ranked by one body.
Mileage
The super flyweight Banal is now ranked No. 14 by the World Boxing Association; No. 15 by the International Boxing Federation; and No. 12 by the World Boxing Organization because of his impressive showing in the huge promotion.
Despite fighting for the first time outside the country and under the glitzy lights of Las Vegas—known as the Mecca of the boxing world—Banal, who fought with blisters on his right foot, reduced the veteran Rosas into a punching bag to score a one-sided 78-73; 78-73 and 76-75 win despite a one-point deduction for a low blow.
The win improved Banal’s record to 13-0-1, with 10 KOs, while Rosas dropped to 25-3, 22KOs. Adopted sons
Banal, who is one of the adopted sons of Tagbilaran City and who traces his roots to Corella town in Bohol will be with Rey “Boom-Boom” Bautista, when Tagbilaran rolls out a heroes’ welcome this Friday.
However, before Banal and Bautista will sail to Tagbilaran, the ALA Gym and SGG Sports Promotion will hold a short press conference at the Cebu City Marriott Hotel on Friday at 9:30 a.m.
This is a change of the plan as the two conquering Filipino fighters were originally scheduled to fly directly from Manila to Tagbilaran after a series of activities in Manila on Thursday, including a courtesy call on Manila City Mayor Lito Atienza. (RCM)
