Indon 'Time Bomb' vows to demolish Banal in five

Reigning IBF Pan-Pacific light flyweight champion Angky Angkota of Indonesia believes his "Time Bomb" will explode to destroy ALA teenage sensation AJ "Bazooka" Banal in the fifth round.

Angkota cannot speak English, but managed to express his bold prediction through sign language, suggesting that he is going to knock out Banal in round five when they clash this Saturday at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex.

Angkota and his trainer Harold Vanroom Errol were among those who graced the news conference yesterday promoting the explosive "War in the Ring" card at the Sen Ryu Japanese Restaurant along Salinas Drive in Brgy. Lahug, this city.

Also present were international promoter Sammy Gello-ani, Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Neri Lim, Sen Ryu owner Jaime Murillo, boxing patron Antonio "Bidoy" L. Aldeguer and his son Michael, the registered manager of ALA stalwarts Z "The Dream" Gorres and Rey "Boom Boom" Bautista in the United States.

Gorres, who just abdicated his OPBF super flyweight throne, will take centerstage in the main event against another Indonesian visitor, Sonny Manake, in a crucial tune-up fight. Manakane and his entourage are set to arrive in Cebu today.

Although a non-title duel, Gorres can't afford to lose against Manakane as is he set for a mandatory shot at the WBO super flyweight title currently held by Mexican Fernando "Cochulito" Montiel.

The Cebuanos will have a glimpse of the skills of the Indonesian visitors as they hold a public workout at 5 pm today at the ALA Gym Fight Club in Banilad Town Center. Bautista, now back in the pink of health after sustaining two unfortunate injuries, will also showcase his punching stuff as he figures in a torrid scrimmage against three sparmates.

Angkota, whose body is almost covered by tattoos, sports a record as fearsome as his looks. He only lost thrice in 20 fights with 11 wins by knockout.

The interesting thing is that Angkota has defeated a slew of prominent Filipino boxers that include ALA mainstays Rocky Fuentes via stunning first round knockout and Donnie "The Snake" Nietes by split decision.

Angkota also boasts of victories over former WBA minimumweight champion Joma Gamboa and ex-PABA light flyweight titlist Marvin Tampus. He won the IBF 108-pound crown after eking out a controversial split verdict over current Philippine champion Sonny Boy Jaro.

"This is gonna be a big test for Banal. That would be the turning point in his career if he's gonna make it," said Michael Aldeguer.

Mayor Lim, an ardent benefactor of the ALA Boys, said it is really their intent to pit Banal against a tough opponent to know his strengths and weaknesses. They also want to make an assessment if Banal is ripe and ready enough for bigtime boxing in the US.

While it is true that Angkota appears to be the biggest thorn on Banal's path to stardom, the Corella, Bohol braveheart is unfazed by the Indon's intimidating fight resume.

"I'm not afraid of him. I just hope I would be able to put up a good show. I can't tell if I'm going to knock him out. Let's just wait and see what is going to happen in the fight," said Banal, who carries an immaculate 9-0-1 record spiked with 8KOs.

Banal is no stranger to clashing with dangerous foreign foes. In his last two bouts, he decked Indonesian champion Ali Rochmad in the fifth round before forcing Thai Sing Carryboy to surrender in the seventh round barely a month ago in Tagbilaran.

Aside from Banal and Gorres, two other promising ALA ring gladiators - Mark Jason Melligen and Milan Melindo - will treat the crowd with action-packed show in the SGG Sports Promotions-presented slugfest that will be broadcast on television by Solar Sports as part of its "Stars of the Future" boxing series.

Light welterweight prospect Melligen will go up against last minute substitute Chris Alag of Cagayan de Oro City, while Melindo will tackle Ricardo Albia of Cebu City. Both Melligen and Melindo will fight for the first time before the discriminating eyes of Cebuano fight fans.

The rest of the bouts pit Joseph Omanz vs. Tata Galendez, Dennis Juntillano vs. Roldan Malinao, Jun Intor vs. Carlo Magale, Wilson Haya vs. Markyll Taroja, Fernando Otik vs. Elmer Colve and Gil Melligen vs. Jovy Merca.

Tickets for the October 21 mega-boxing event are now on sale at USA Sports boutiques in SM and Ayala and at the Fight Club in Banilad Town Center. Tickets are reasonably priced at Php500 for VIP/Sponsor, Php300 for ringside, Php200 for lower seat, and Php100 for general admission.