Banal battles Thai foe tonight

ALA Boxing Gym sensation AJ "Bazooka" Banal tries to hurdle another tough test as he tackles the iron-chinned Thai warrior Terdkiat Jandaeng in a 10-round brawl topbilling another exciting card by international promoter Sammy "Don King" Gello-ani tonight at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex.

Although a non-title bout, the match is of huge significance for the two combatants as WBO vice president for Asia Pacific Leon Panuncillo announced that the winner of the Banal-Jandaeng duel will vie for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific Youth super flyweight title on February 24 at the Cebu City Sports Center.

Banal, who sports a clean 10-0-1 record with 8KOs, is heavily favored over Jandaeng, but the Boholano ring star must not underestimate the Thai visitor.

Jandaeng (7-2-1) belongs to the dreaded group of Kokiet Boxing Stable in Thailand and has never been knocked out in his career.

Jandaeng's toughness and durability, however, will be put to a major test when he collides with Banal, a skillful, busy puncher with devastating power.

Expected to rock the crowd in the undercards is a trio of 10-round matches featuring ALA Boys Rocky Fuentes and Milan 'Milenyo' Melindo and upcoming lightweight Glen Masicampo of Harada Stable.

Fuentes will go up against Greg Mangan in a grudge rematch. Their first meeting ended up in a controversial draw.

Another explosive confrontation awaits between the fast-rising Milan 'Milenyo' Melindo and bell-to-bell fighter Fabio Marfa, while Masicampo will trade bombs with RP No. 7 contender Anton Olarte of Davao City.

The unbeaten former amateur standout Joseph Omanz will see action in the special attraction against Carlo Magale.

The rest of the bouts in the action-packed show presented by SGG Sports Promotions pits Ruben Santillanosa vs. Edward Apa-ap, Jun Intor vs. Noel Sungahid, Leon Maratas vs. Joel de la Cruz, and Romeo Jakosalem vs. Romnick Rapista.

Tickets are priced at P500 for VIP/Sponsor, P300 for the ringside, P200 for the lower seat and P100 for the general admission.