‘Boy Wonder’ rises from ALA camp

There’s a new kid on the boxing block and he’s drawing rave reviews as the next Manny Pacquiao.

Alex John (A. J.) Banal, 17, is the rising star in Cebu’s fabled ALA (for owner Antonio Lopez Aldeguer) stable and the sky’s the limit for the Corella, Bohol, superflyweight whose pro record is 8-0-1, with 7 KOs.

Last Saturday, Banal disposed of previously unbeaten Indonesian champion Ali Rochmad in the main event of a fight card at the Island City Mall car park in Tagbilaran City.

One of Banal’s biggest fans and ardent supporters, Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Neri Lim, hosted the show that attracted a crowd of over 3,000.

Rochmad was floored twice in the first round before he was counted out by referee Tony Pisons at 1:35 of the fifth. The Surabaya visitor was coming off five straight knockout wins, one over once highly-regarded Australian Nathan Sting.

"We brought in Rochmad to see how good Banal really is," said Aldeguer. "Rochmad was originally supposed to fight Z Gorres but we decided to put Banal to a test. After going down twice in the first round, Rochman came back to give Banal plenty of trouble. But in the end, Banal was just too strong."

What makes Banal, a southpaw, special is he’s big for his weight.

"He’s solidly built for a 115-pounder," said Aldeguer. "I think he’ll grow to become a junior lightweight or lightweight so he has a long way to go. He’s not a one-punch knockout artist like a (Florante) Condes (reigning Philippine 105-pound champion with a record of 13-3, with 13 KOs) but no question, he has a lot of power. He has never been down. His defense is solid and he’s quick."

Aldeguer said Banal needs more seasoning and will leave for the US with Rey (Boom Boom) Bautista and trainer Edito Villamor on Aug. 10.

"I want him to be exposed to big-time fights in the US," said Aldeguer. "I’m not sending him to fight but to familiarize himself with the US atmosphere. I want him to get over the culture shock right away. He’ll watch Boom Boom fight in the Barrera-Juarez undercard (Sept. 16) in Las Vegas and he’ll train at the Wild Card Gym with Freddie Roach."

Aldeguer said at this point in his career, Banal is right on schedule. "He’s at the point where Boom Boom was when he was 17 but he’s slightly ahead of Gorres," said Aldeguer. "We’re lining up even tougher opponents for Banal in the future."

Oscar de la Hoya’s Golden Boy vice president Eric Gomez has seen Banal in action and wanted to sign him up with Bautista and Gorres last March but Aldeguer held back.

"You need to be at least 18 to fight in the US so Banal is underage," said Aldeguer. "I told Eric we shouldn’t be carried away, that we need to bring up Banal properly without rushing him."

Banal turned pro last year and fought Sonny Saguing to a second round technical draw in his debut. He has since scored eight wins in a row, seven inside the distance.

Banal grew up in Ermita, known as the Tondo of Cebu, and won a gold medal in the first Batang Pinoy. He won more gold medals in other amateur competitions, including the National Youth Championships, before invading the pro ranks.

One of eight children, Banal finished up to third year in high school. His father is a truck driver and his mother has been described as a "professional demonstrator," a familiar face in public gatherings. An older brother Nick is also a pro boxer. Another brother Bernard is in the mountains with the New People’s Army.

Unlike Pacquiao who is naturally gifted, Banal developed his punching power through the years. He lifted weights as an amateur and gradually became stronger.

Banal hits hard with either hand and isn’t choosy when picking his target. He has blasted out opponents with lefts to the body and rights to the head with the same ferocity.

Aldeguer said Banal’s tendency to bring down his right hand during a bout is to add snap to his jab.

"If you look at Roy Jones, Floyd Mayweather and Arturo Gatti, you’ll notice they jab with a snap," said Aldeguer. "You tend to push your jab if it’s coming from straight up. That’s why Banal sometimes lowers his hand before throwing a jab, like Mayweather. It’s also a bait. But against Rochmad, I didn’t see Banal lower his right hand too much because he knew he was up against a hard hitter so he was careful in his defense."

Aldeguer said what Banal lacks at the moment is a catchy nickname like Boom Boom for Bautista and Pacman for Pacquiao.

"Someone suggested the "Holy Man" because his last name is Banal but that won’t do," said Aldeguer. I’m looking for a nickname that will sell in the international market."

Why not the "Boy Wonder".