Banal faces Canadian for WBO AsPac crown

Manila, Philippines - World title contender AJ Banal puts his seven-fight winning streak on the line against Canadian brawler Tyson Cave on July 30 at the newly constructed Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

The 22-year-old Banal faces Cave in a 12-round bantamweight contest where the World Boxing Organization Asia-Pacific crown will be at stake.

Sporting a 24-1 card, including 19 by KOs, Banal has won his last seven bouts since that fateful 10-round knockout loss to former world title challenger Rafael Concepcion in 2008. He is coming off a second round technical knockout win over Francis Miyeyusho of Tanzania last March in Lahug, Cebu City.

The Banal-Cave bantamweight showdown will headline the latest episode of the boxing series “Pinoy Pride 7: Battle at Mactan” under the partnership of ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN.

A public sparring session was held last week to hype the promotion also supported by the City Government of Lapu Lapu, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, SM City Cebu, Cobra Tunay na Lakas Energy Drink, Ayala Active Zone, Gaisano Island Mall Mactan, Parkmall, Abaca Boutique Resort and Restaurant, Diamond Suites and Residences.

An eight-bout sparring session of two rounds each were held between Banal and Mark Acub, Michael Domingo opposite Gil Melligen, Lorenzo Villanueva against exciting prospect Mark Bernaldez, James Bacon vs. Eusebio Baluarte, and Albert Pagara versus Marjhon Yap.

The fun-filled afternoon also featured crowd favorite Jun `Flash’ Intor with Crispin Parba, and the Canillas brothers - Arjan and Ryan - against Welbeth Loberanis and Zaldy Aroa, respectively.

The boxing card is also presented by Be Resort Mactan, Cebu Grand Hotel, Maya Mexican Restaurant, Kia Cebu, Mooon Cafe, Thirsty Juices and Shakes, Gold Berry Suites and Hotel, Sunstar Publications and Cebu Daily News.