CEBU, Philippines - It was a night filled with electricity and anticipation at the Carlos P. Garcia Sports Complex in Tagbilaran City for the 30,000 in attendance to witness ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports’ presentation of “Sandugo- Labanan ng mga Kampeon” fight card.
As early as 5:30 in the afternoon of July 17, people came in hoards and filled up the stands at the CPG Sports Complex in support of Corella, Bohol’s very own AJ “Bazooka” Banal who was to battle Korea-based Japanese Big Yoo.
By 7:00 in the evening, the rafters were filled and the gates still crammed with fans pushing forward and craving for admission in the venue.
The main event surely did not disappoint as the two ring gladiators came into the ring with only one intention which was to win and win in style.
It was an all-out battle from the start with both fighters catching and staggering each other with power shots giving the first two rounds to Yoo and the next two going Banal’s way.
Sensing the momentum shift, the very game Yoo went more aggressive catching Banal with very hard head and body shots in succession that clearly wobbled the Filipino prompting the mammoth crowd to hold their breath for a few seconds.
It seemed as it was all trouble from there for Banal as Yoo went in for the kill but the 21-year-old warrior from Bohol kept his composure and unleashed a splendid right hook to Yoo’s head and a glorious left upper-cut to the jaw that sent his opponent whirling before dropping to his knees and sending the 30,000 strong in frenzied celebration.
Referee Bruce Mactavish then stopped the fight in 1:59 of the fifth round as Big Yoo failed to get up and beat the count.
The well-conditioned Bazooka not only showed ring savvy and power, he also showed everybody his maturity and great heart.
Banal has not only proven he has the talent but a crowd drawer as well. He managed to attract and delight a large crowd that was said to be the biggest attended boxing event in the Philippines in the last two years.
Members of the Sportswriters Association of Cebu were ferried in to witness the event that surely will be on the record books.
“Sandugo - Labanan ng mga Kampeon” was also made possible through the assistance of the Bohol Sandugo Foundation, Inc., the city of Tagbilaran Mayor Dan Neri Lim through executive assistant Mark Monton, and the Peacock Garden Resort of Hans Schoof. – PR (THE FREEMAN)