CEBU, Philippines - ALA bantamweight prospect AJ "Bazooka" Banal still has to face a test this July 30, but his dream of a rematch with his former tormentor seems to be closer to becoming a reality as former Panamian world title challenger Rafael "El Torito" Concepcion admitted that he is willing to give the Pinoy fighter one.
In this rematch, Banal hopes for redemption against Concepcion. He first mentioned this during the press conference of "Pinoy Pride 7: Battle of Mactan" boxing card headlined by Banal fighting in the main event against Canadian Tyson Cave at the Hoopsdome in Lapu-Lapu City.
In an interview with Philboxing.com, the 29-year-old Concepcion was delighted upon hearing the news that ALA Promotions is interested in bringing him back here in the Philippines to fight Banal again.
Concepcion and Banal first fought last July 2008, where the Panamanian scored a stunning upset via 10th round knockout against Banal for the interim WBA super flyweight title at the Cebu Coliseum.
Concepcion even got to the point in giving his full support to Banal asking the ALA fighter to finish Cave to seal their rematch.
"I am interested to go back to Cebu and to KO ALA's pupil (Banal) again," said Concepcion.
"Our rematch might be done. For me no problem. Good luck to my amigo AJ in his coming fight. Let's hope that his next fight is a rematch with me."
For his part, ALA President Michael Aldeguer was pleased in hearing Concepcion's willingness to give Banal a rematch.
"We are looking for this fight, maybe a week from now we will start reaching out to the camp of Concepcion for planned rematch," said Aldeguer in an interview with The FREEMAN.
But now that the Panamanian fighter expressed his approval for a rematch, Aldeguer is now aware that the ball is in Banal's court and that the ALA stalwart is obliged to show an impressive fight against Cave this July 30.
"For now Banal has to stay focus on Cave because this guy is no pushover, it would be AJ's make or brake fight and if Banal lose, then the rematch with Concepcion would not happen," he added. – THE FREEMAN