Banal, Amonsot face African foes in Cebu comeback fights

CEBU, Philippines – ALA Stable mainstays AJ “Bazooka” Banal and Czar Amonsot will clash with dangerous African foes in their comeback fights in Cebu headlining the surefire explosive “Tuloy Ang Pagsubok (The Challenge Continues)” card co-presented by ALA Promotions and television giant ABS-CBN on May 16 at the Cebu Coliseum.

Banal (18-1, 15KOs) will take on former world champion Mbwana Matumla of Tanzania (18-3-10KOs), known as the “African Golden Boy”, while Amonsot (19-3-1, 11KOs) will trade bombs with Morris Chule of Kenya (11-6-2, 8KOs) in the other featured 10-rounder showdown.

This marks Amonsot’s first ring appearance in the Queen City of the South since his devastating 10th round knockout to Panamian Rafael “El Torito” Concepcion during their interim WBA super flyweight championship on July 26 last year also at the Coliseum.

But Banal returned with fire in his eyes, knocking out Nouldy Manakane of Indonesia in round four before his hometown fans last January 31 at the Island City Mall carpark in Tagbilaran City.

In that same card, Amonsot, who gained international recognition for putting up a gallant stand - albeit for a losing cause - against Australian Michael Katsidis in their interim IBO lightweight title bout on July 21, 2007 in Las Vegas, came back from a one-day layoff to flatten Indon Zoel Fidal in round five.

As for Banal, a win over Matumla won’t guarantee that he is ready to be lined up for another world title shot.

“Let’s see first how he (Banal) performs. We’ll take it one fight at a time,” said ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer in a press conference formally launching the event the other night at Sugbahan Restaurant along A.S. Fortuna Street in Mandaue City. “I believe Matumla will give him a big test.”

Rising ALA star Jason Pagara of Cagayan de Oro City, on the other hand, will see action in the undercard against Hero Katili of Indonesia, while Larry “Bon Joi” Cantillas of Lutopan, Toledo City will tackle Reman Salim of Bacolod City.

The preliminary matches pit Jun Intor of Mabinay, Negros Oriental vs. Leonard Guardiano of Bacolod, Marjohn Macahilig of Kalibo, Aklan vs. Francis Lee Cutanda of the Tagbilaran-based Harada Stable, Rocky Amonsot of Tagbilaran vs. Evelino Valleser of Jimdomar Stable of Ubay, Bohol, and Runel Casimero of Cabangahan, Consolacion vs. Reynaldo Boctot of Cebu City.

Tickets, priced at P1,500 for VIP first row, P1,250 second row, P1,000 third row, P500 for ringside, P300 lower box, and P50 for general admission, are available at USA Sports-Ayala, Island Souvenirs boutiques in SM and Ayala, ALA Gym-Banilad Town Center, and Cebu Coliseum. – EBV (THE FREEMAN)