BAGO CITY, Philippines – Hipolito Banal Jr. lived up to expectations yesterday when he won the lightflyweight gold in the junior boys division of the 2012 PLDT-ABAP Visayas Area boxing tournament here.
The 15-year-old Banal, younger brother of world title contender AJ “Bazooka” Banal, proved too much for Willy Boy Domiquel of Nothern Samar. He ran away with a 23-9 win and the gold medal.
It was the fourth gold medal in the regional level for the native of Mandaue City, who started boxing at the age of nine, and learned the ropes of the game through his brother.
“I’m happy every time I win the gold because boxing is a very tough sport,” said Banal, a gold medalist in the 32 kg division of the 2010 Palarong Pambansa in Tarlac City.
Banal also won the gold medals in the PLDT-ABAP National Finals in Bohol and the CEVRAA (Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association) in Danao City last year.
Asked if he’s dreaming of turning pro, he said it’s not on his mind yet.
“Malayo pa. Hindi pa. Madami pang kulang (Not yet. There’s a lot more to work on),” said Banal after the victory in this amateur slugfest that drew 53 boxers from 14 provincial teams.
Among those who watched from ringside were Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines chief Ricky Vargas, vice president Manny Lopez, secretary-general Pato Gregorio and executive director Ed Picson.
Also winning the gold at the Bago City Coliseum were junior (15-16) pinweight Orville King Olaivar of Tagbilaran, flyweight Kenneth Paul Gentallan of Tagbilaran, light-bantam Alemar Javier of Maasin, bantam Joseph Montano of Bago City and junior girls pinweight Jossa Santisteban of Bago City A. – Abac Cordero
In the youth boys (17-18), Paul Sacupon of Northern Samar won the gold at the expense of Arnold Jetajobe of Sagay City, 17-12. Bago City Mayor Ramonito Torres awarded the medals.
Olaivar, another boxer to watch, tripped Mario Jaga of Bago City A, 8-3; Gentallan overpowered Chaim Pascual of Dumaguete, 12-5; Javier edged Jesmar Martir of Bago City B, 12-9; Montano stopped Mark Sadava of Cabatuan in the second round; and Santisteban demolished Kristia Mae Oliveros of Himamaylan in just one round.