Banal had come a long way since Palaro days

MANILA, Philippines - AJ Banal still remembers the day he was crowned champion in the 42 kg division of the 2002 Palarong Pambansa in Naga City.

He said he keeps the gold medal at home in Cebu City.

“Nakatago,” said Banal, who had come a long way since the day he knocked out his much-taller opponent from Bicol with a body blow in the Palarong Pambansa finals.

“Ang laki sa akin. Pero tinamaan ko sa sikmura (He was bigger than me but I caught him in the mid-section),” Banal told scribes at the Harbour View restaurant the other night.

People knew he had the talent, but instead of pursuing a career as an amateur, and perhaps follow in the footsteps of the Velasco brothers, Banal turned pro in 2005 as a 16-year-old.

His pro debut against Sonny Saguing in Mandaue City ended in a technical draw after Banal suffered a nasty cut due to an accidental head butt in the second round.

Then he won his next 17 bouts, lost to Rafael Concepcion of Panama in 2008, and racked up another string of 11 victories, finally leading to a shot at the world title.

On Oct. 20, he takes on Thailand’s Pungluang Sor Singyu at the Mall of Asia Arena for the vacant WBO bantamweight title recently vacated by Mexican Jorge Arce.

He said he won’t let this chance slip away.

“World title na ito. Hindi ko sasayangin ang chance,” said the boxer who met the scribes with his trainer Edmond Villamor and ALA Promotions’ Chad Canares.

He looked tired from an early evening workout at the Elorde Gym in Ortigas, and freshened up with two tall glasses of iced tea. Later on he feasted on fried lapu-lapu, pinakbet, grilled squid and rice.

Banal weighs under 128 lb after each workout, and said he’s fine where he’s at with still seven weeks to the 118-lb title fight.

Banal has learned his lessons the hard way, especially during the fight against Concepcion in Cebu City. He was leading on the cards, but ran out of gas and was knocked out in the 10th round.

“Bata pa ako noon (I was young then). Puro sugod lang ang alam ko. Ngayon may experience na ako, alam ko na paano mag-pacing (I just kept on attacking. I am more experienced now. I know how to pace myself),” he said.

“Alam ko na ang gagawin ko ngayon (I know what to do now),” said Banal.

“Sana maging world champion na ako (I hope to become a world champion). Matagal ko nang gusto ito (I’ve wanted this so long),” he added.

This Palarong Pambansa winner will soon become a world champion.