Day of reckoning for Banal
Unbeaten superflyweight A. J. (Bazooka) Banal is out to prove he’s for real when he takes on Panama’s Rafael (El Torito) Concepcion in a 12-round bout for the interim WBA 115-pound title at the New Cebu Coliseum this Saturday.
For Banal, the moment of truth has finally arrived. If he beats Concepcion, Banal will earn the right to face the winner of the Sept. 15 duel between Nobuo Nashiro and Kohei Kono for the WBA superflyweight crown on or before Dec. 18.
Banal’s manager Michael Aldeguer said yesterday the fight marks a sentimental homecoming for the southpaw who will see action in the arena close to his boyhood roots. Banal grew up in the tough Tondo-like Ermita district behind the New Cebu Coliseum.
“The stadium is walking distance from where he was raised,” said Aldeguer. “A. J. is excited about fighting close to home. His family, childhood friends and relatives will be at ringside. Although fans expect a convincing win by A. J., he’s not pressured. He’s relaxed and calm. He knows he’s up against a power puncher but he’s confident in his skills.”
Banal, 19, said he won’t engage Concepcion toe-to-toe at the start. He’ll probe, jab and use movement in the early rounds before moving in for the kill. ”I expect an action-packed fight,” said Aldeguer. “Concepcion is a slugger who just comes at you with both hands. His punches are wide and he leaves himself open charging in. What makes him dangerous is you don’t know where his punches are coming from. He’s not a volume puncher like A. J.’s last opponent (Caril) Herrera but he’s a much stronger hitter.” Concepcion trained nearly two months for Banal under the legendary Hector Roca – who has worked with Arturo Gatti, Iran Barkley, Buddy McGirt and Agapito Sanchez – at the fabled Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn. Roca described Concepcion as a Gatti-type brawler who never backs down.
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