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As we are awe struck by Filipino Boxing Icon Manny Pacquiao, we take time to also look to our own local boxing superstars here in Cebu compliments of ALA Gym.
As another shot at the world title looms for ALA bantamweight prospect AJ ‘Bazooka’ Banal this year we find time to know more about him. At 23 years of age Banal who currently has a record of 26-1 (19 by way of KO) is now ranked No.1 in the World Boxing Organization (WBO) putting him an inch closer to his dream to fight. Alex John Banal was born on December 28, 1988 in Bukidnon and his interest in boxing began through the inspiration of his uncle, Roselito Campana, who was also a boxer for the ALA Boxing Gym. At a very young age of three, Banal joined the ALA team as an amateur, and has been with the organization ever since.
ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer had mentioned that they are just waiting for the decision of the WBO, but he assured that a world title fight for Banal is just around the corner. Considering it as history in the making for having both Milan Melindo and AJ Banal both ranked No.1 in the WBO said Aldeguer. The WBO title is currently held by Mexican Jorge Arce, who is scheduled to defend his belt on February 18, 2012 against Venezuelan Lorenzo Parra. Aldeguer said that Banal will be fighting this March 24 in Cebu against a still undetermined opponent and this will serve as his preparation for the bigger stage.
After absorbing his first career-loss against Panamanian Rafael Concepcion three years ago, Banal is now on a rampage winning nine straight fights, the most recent against tough Mexican Mario Briones via unanimous decision last year at the University of St. La Salle Gymnasium in Bacolod City.
Aldeguer added that he is planning to send Banal together with Melindo to the United States to train with Roberto Garcia. Garcia is the one responsible for training WBA lightweight king Brandon Rios, former WBC welterweight title-holder Victor Ortiz, former Manny Pacquiao foe Antonio Margarito and two-division world champion Nonito Donaire Jr.
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