Banal to use "Bazooka" on Thai power-puncher

Alex John Banal has just been christened as "Bazooka" and the promising Boholano boxer from the famed ALA Stable can't wait to again show off his devastating punching skills that is likened to the powerful combat weapon before his hometown fans. The undefeated Banal takes on Thai power-puncher Klongchai Sor Visetkit in the supporting main event of the explosive "Fight for Revenge" card topbilled by his stablemate Czar Amonsot on September 23 at the Island City Mall carpark in Tagbilaran City.

Banal, unscathed in nine fights that include one draw and seven wins by knockout, will see action for the third consecutive time in two months and fourth overall this year in front of his adoring 'paisanos." The 17-year-old Banal flattened all his three opponents in Bohol this year, commencing with a second-round stoppage of Thai Bangsaen Sithpraprom last April 30.

The Corella, Bohol fighter smashed Jun Pader via TKO in round four last July 3 before knocking out Indonesian champion Ali Rochmad in the fifth last July 22. Banal's forthcoming match against Klongchai is a must-see for the Boholanos as this might be his last fight at theit backyard. This as Banal will be brought by his handlers to the United States for further training and exposure under the watchful eyes of celebrated American trainer Freddie Roach.

Before thinking of a US trip, Banal must concentrate on the first task at hand as Klongchai is no ordinary foe. Klongchai (16-8, 10KOs) may have lost four straight fights, but showed great fighting spirit by racking up fourth wins in a row, the last three by knockout including a third-round KO of Phalangchai Sor Vorapin last July 27 in Bangkok. In what promises to be an action-packed finale, Amonsot will figure in an expected grudge rematch as he defends his WBP Asia Pacific super featherweight crown against Thai tormentor Simson Butar Butar.

Amonsot is aching to get back at Butar Butar, who is responsible for inflicting the pride of Tagbilaran City his first and only defear, so far, in his career. During their previous encounter on February 15 last year in Jakarta, Indonesia, Butar Butar subdued Amonsot via a stunning fifth round TKO.

Amonsot can't forget that sorrowful chapter in his career. He is definitely out to exact vengeance and prove that that defeat is nothing but a result of the so-called 'off night.' In the equally-exciting undercards of the slambang show presented by SGG Sports Promotions in partnership with the local government of Tagbilaran headed by Mayor Dan Neri Lim, a slew of Bohol's pride will strut their wares against separate foes.

They are Glen Masicampo, Arnel Tadena, Mark Jason Melliguen, Nic Banal, Joseph Omania, and Leon Maratas. Masicampo takes on Melvin Ayudtud, Tadena battles Roel Honor, Melliguen tackles Yoppi Ragajawa, and Banal clashes with Joe Galamition. Omania slugs it out with Richard Cablay, while Maratas will open up the day's action by engaging in a four-round duel with Francis Cutamura.