Boxer, fiancée figure in mishap

CEBU, Philippines - Cebuano boxer AJ "Bazooka" Banal and his fiancée sustained injuries when they figured in a motorcycle accident in downtown Cebu City late afternoon yesterday.

Henry Talictic, the driver of the motorcycle that allegedly hit Banal and his fiancée, Junbeth Carabaña, was also injured and taken to the hospital.

The incident happened at the intersection of Colon and D. Jakosalem Streets at almost 4 p.m. Banal was driving a Honda Beat (6801 GX) motorcycle while Talictic was driving a Kawasaki motorcycle (ZH 5768).

Banal, 24, said they were on the same road as Talictic in D. Jakosalem Street and were making a left toward Colon Street when Talictic hit them. Banal claimed Talictic was driving fast.

"Siya g'yud sad-an adto. Dapat unta kay mu-straight man siya og padagan, diri unta siya sa tuo na bahin sa lane. Diri man sad siya sa left na bahin so pagliko namo padong left, nagkabanggaan na hinuon (He was at fault. He should have positioned at the right lane, not at the left, because he was heading straight. This was the reason he hit us when we turned to the left)," Banal said.

Banal said the impact threw him and his fiancée, even Talictic, off their motorcycles. He said things could have been worse if he was also driving fast.

Members of the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation (ERUF) brought Carabaña and Talictic to the Cebu City Medical Center for treatment. Initial check showed they sustained several bruises on different parts of their bodies.Banal, meanwhile, sustained bruises on his right arm.

The accident stalled vehicle traffic for a few minutes.

Banal said he and his fiancée were coming from the Cebu City Hall and were on their way to a bridal shop supposedly to fit some clothes for their civil wedding tomorrow, Thursday. They have been together for five years.

Born Alex John Banal, the boxer is a former amateur standout before turning pro last 2005 and winning his first match against Julius Cabusas at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex.

After 17 consecutive wins, Banal suffered his first career loss last July 26, 2008 at the Cebu Coliseum against the Panamanian Rafael Concepcion via 10th round TKO in a battle for the interim WBA super flyweight title.

But the pride of Barangay Ermita came back strong and recorded an 11th fight winning streak before grabbing the chance to fight for the vacant WBO bantamweight title last October at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

His dream of being a world champion, however, was shattered that night as he was defeated via ninth round technical knockout by Pungluang Sor Singyu of Thailand.

With rumors of an early retirement, Banal made a successful comeback fight last July 13 at the Solaire Resort Hotel and Casino in Parañaque City against Mexican Abraham Gomez with a second round referee technical decision victory. 

The ALA Boxing Gym fighter Banal who holds a record of 29 wins and two losses is planning to fight again later this year.

Banal once held the WBO Asia Pacific bantamweight championship title, interim WBA World super flyweight title, and WBO Asia Pacific Youth super flyweight diadem., (FREEMAN)