FORMER world title contender AJ “Bazooka” Banal tries to give boxing another shot, whipping himself back into shape despite the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) home quarantine.
“Yes, I want to come back. I’m still 31. I want to continue. Maybe I’ll retire when I’m 35 already,” Banal told SunStar Cebu. “My target is to fight at 130 (pounds).”
Banal, a two-time world title challenger, currently weighs around 170 pounds, but has been making progress week after week by self-training in his home in Brgy. Ermita, Cebu City.
After a third-round stoppage win over Emilio Norfat on Nov. 28, 2015, in Lapu-Lapu City, Banal had a two-year hiatus. He returned on Dec. 16, 2017, and beat veteran Jason Egera via a six-round split decision in Makati City. Five months later, Banal fought again and beat Indonesian Master Suro by a lopsided unanimous decision.
Banal also worked as a trainer in China for quite some time and attempted to return last year but a fight in the US never materialized.
Banal, 36-2-1 with 23 knockouts, is willing to fight anybody to move his way up in the featherweight division.
“Anyone they put in front of me. I’ll fight anybody that my promoter will give me,” he said.
Banal was once one of the most promising prospects from the famed ALA Gym in the Philippines. He was groomed to become a world champion and a star. But somehow, Banal didn’t live up to his hype, losing both world title fights with Rafael Concepcion and Pungluang Sor Singyu.
Even though he has entered his 30s, Banal still believes that he has a lot left in his tank. He believes he still has what it takes to become a world champion and prove all his doubters wrong.
“I think a lot (of promoters) still want me. My plan is either in China or Australia,” he said. “I’m ignoring those people that are bashing me. I’ll prove them wrong soon. I will do everything I can while I’m still young.”