THE youthful but most-promising fighter AJ “Bazooka” Banal will be punching for his first belt—the World Boxing Organization (WBO) youth super flyweight belt on Sept. 30 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel Grand Ballroom.
The 18-year-old wonder Banal, fresh from his third round TKO win over Jorge Cardenas, is going to headline another SGG Sports Promotion event for the vacant title, which will prepare him for the world title.
Promoter Sammy Gello-ani is now shopping for a possible opponent and one thing on his mind is the 24-year-old Australian super flyweight puncher Shane Brock.
“Negotiations are going on but I believe Brock is out of the age limit. But WBO vice president Leon Panoncillo has considered this to be a tough fight for Banal so he is willing to sanction this,” Gello-ani told Sun.Star Cebu.
Undefeated after 15 professional fights, winning 14 bouts—11 by knockouts—and one fight drawn, Banal has been the toast of the town because of his exceptional boxing skills and power punches.
During the World Cup of boxing, Cardenas dropped to the canvas and injured his right ankle when he was hit by Banal’s short hook to the jaw.
“Banal has a lot of potential. And if Freddie Roach will tell you that he is the best prospect of the world, that will be true. I just can’t wait to see Banal go up in the ranks to become the Philippines next world champion and superstar,” said Panoncillo, who visited the place of his parents in San Fernando-Cebu late last week for important matters.
Brock, if the fight would push through, could be the toughest ever opponent of the young Barangay Ermita fighter, as the Australian has a decent record of 7-2, 5KOs. (RCM)
