CEBU, Philippines - A.J. “Bazooka” Banal (19-1-1,16 KOs) takes on Angel Beranza (32-15-2, 25 KOs) in the undercard of “Island Assault” a boxing promotion at Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, today.
The card’s main event features Brian Viloria, the IBF titleholder, who will defend his crown against Mexico’s Jesus Iribe.
Banal needs to win impressively in his 10-round bout against the veteran Beranza to prove he has recovered from a devastating loss to Rafael Concepcion last year.
The 33-year-old Beranza is a tough nut to crack, ALA’s Michael Aldeguer acknowledges. “We see a tough fight for A. J. and we’re not taking his opponent lightly,” said Aldeguer.
“He’s been training at the Wild Card Gym since the middle of June with Freddie Roach and Edmundo Villamor. I’m in touch regularly with A. J. and he has assured me of his physical condition. He’s in top shape and ready to go the distance if necessary.”
The training at the Wild Card Gym was the logical stop for Banal after that debacle with Rafael Concepcion. Banal was leading on points during the fight but quit after absorbing a flurry of body blows from Concepcion. (RBO)
Aldeguer said that Banal was handily outpointing Concepcion during their bout but lost steam in trying to knock him out.
Banal impressively compiled an 18-0 record until that fateful fight against Concepcion.
Aldeguer continued and said that Banal is now a wiser boxer. “He has learned not to just go for the knockout all the time, to be patient as knockouts won’t come in every fight and how to pace himself,” Aldeguer said.
During his training at the Wild Card gym, Banal sparred with bigger sparmates. He also sparred with Rodel Mayol, another Filipino currently training in the gym.
The 20-year-old Cebuano has beefed up and moved to the bantamweight division after he lost Concepcion.
Aldeguer reveals that they have big plans for Banal if he wins this bout impressively. The names of Fernando Montiel, Vic Darchinyan and Christian Mijares are a few of boxers will be fighting next.
What is in store for Banal? “He’s only 20. A. J. has all the time in the world. He’s in no hurry but we’ll make sure he’ll get there soon to fight for the world title when he’s ready.” (RBO) (FREEMAN NEWS)