AJ Banal steps closer to world title shot

CEBU, Philippines - Another shot at the world title looms for ALA bantamweight prospect AJ ‘Bazooka’ Banal this year.

The 23-year-old Banal (26-1, 19KOs) is now ranked No.1 in the World Boxing Organization (WBO) putting him an inch closer to his dream to fight.

ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer told The Freeman 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.

“This is history for us having Milan (Melindo) and AJ both ranked No.1 in the WBO,” said Aldeguer. “Naay possibility nga basin og mag-una pa si AJ og away for the world title kaysa ni Milan.”

The WBO title is currently held by Mexican Jorge Arce, who is scheduled to defend his belt on February 18 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.

“Ako ready na gyud kay ko, gusto na gyud ko ma-world champion and if moabot na ang chance akong buhaton tanan kay mao na akong damgo,” said Banal.

“Salig sad ko nga tulo na unya mi nila ni Donnie (Nietes) ug Milan nga ma-world champion.”

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.    (FREEMAN)