Thursday, July 03, 2008 Banal: Prepped and ready for July 26 title fight
HOMETOWN hero AJ “Bazooka” Banal is fully prepared to fulfill his longtime dream of bagging a world title crown as he takes on Panamanian slugger Rafael “El Torito” Concepcion for the World Boxing Association super flyweight title on July 26 at the Cebu Coliseum.
“Banal is very well prepared for the fight of his life,” ALA Promotions President Michael Aldeguer told Sun.Star Cebu in an interview.
The 19-year-old sensation has exceptionally been training long and hard for his skirmish with Concepcion.
“He is doing very well in his training. He is at the peak of his training right now,” said Aldeguer.
Banal has sparred over a 130 rounds at the renowned ALA Gym and hit 12 rounds of sparring last week with Michael Domingo, Weng Haya and Robert Allanic.
Aldeguer believes that his boxer is in tip-top form and looks much better in his previous bouts.
“If you ask Banal, he is at the best shape of his life. Much better than in the Herrera fight,” said Aldeguer.
His opponent, Concepcion, is currently training in the reputable Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn, New York under the wing of famed trainers Pedro Romero and Hector Roca.
“Expectedly Concepcion is taking the fight seriously because this is a chance for him to be a world champion,” Aldeguer said of Concepcion’s training at the New York instead of his country in Panama. “They will surely step up their training. We are aware of how prepared Concepcion will be in this fight.”
Meanwhile, tickets are now up for grabs for the much awaited championship battle.
Tickets will be available at the Marfori Bakery at Ibabao, Mandaue (near New Mandaue Coliseum), Islands Souvenirs and Bisaya Ispisyal boutiques at SM City Cebu, and Ayala Center Cebu, USA Sports at Metro Ayala Department Store, ALA Gym at Banilad Town Center, and Pandelicious at F. Llamas St. in Punta Princesa, Labangon.
Ticket reservations are accepted at 346-3489 and direct sellers are advised to call Ms. Jeana Alvarez at 0928-505-7980. (EKA)
