Reigning WBO Asia Pacific Bantamweight king AJ “Bazooka” Banal needs to win just one more fight before he earns his much-awaited world title challenge.
And standing in the way for the Cebuano’s title fight is Mexican Raul “El Bule” Hidalgo whom he will face in the main event of Pinoy Pride XII on March 24 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
If victorious against Hidalgo, Banal (26W-1L-1D 19KOs) will challenge for the WBO bantamweight crown of Jorge Arce within the year. Arce, however, is reportedly planning to move up in weight.
Banal’s ALA stablemate and WBO Intercontinental flyweight champion Milan “El Metodico” Melindo is also slated to challenge for a world crown possibly this year.
“This fight is very important for AJ (Banal), because a win will definitely line him up for a world title fight,” said ALA Promotions chief Michael Aldeguer during yesterday’s press conference at the City Scape Hotel.
Hidalgo (15W-5L 11KOs) according to Aldeguer is a dangerous foe because “he hits hard” and has fought top-name boxers like Japanese WBA International Superflyweight champion Daiki Kameda.
Banal world title challenge is tentatively scheduled on June or July.
Another option for Banal is to challenge for the IBF world bantamweight title as he is ranked No. 1 by the organization.
“We are just waiting for our negotiations to prosper and also at Banal’s performance on March 24. During our meeting with Top Rank boss Bob Arum, we initially discussed to include either Banal or Milan Milendo in the undercard of Nonito Donaire’s next fight,” added Aldeguer.
Banal for his part said he thinks he is ripe and ready for a world title fight or a rematch with tormentor Rafael Concepcion.
“Para nako wala ra man ko gibati ug pressure ani nga away, malipayon kaayo ko kay kumpleto man akong training gi-agian, wala nakoy apason kay nag start ko ug training ato pang December, so confident ra ko makadaog,” said Banal who won via lopsided fashion against the erstwhile undefeated Mexican knock-out artist Mario Briones in Bacolod last year.
Meanwhile, the undefeated 18-year old Albert “Prince” Pagara, OPBF flyweight champion Rocky “Road Warrior” Fuentes and the come-backing Arthur “El Matador” Villanueva will also fight in the undercard of Pinoy Pride XIII against foreign opponents who will be announced soon.