PP 13 pugs to hold public sparring

WITH less than two weeks left before his much anticipated battle against Raul Hidalgo, WBO Asia Pacific Bantamweight champion AJ “Bazooka” Banal will give Cebuano boxing fans a closer look at how ready he is for his Mexican foe as he and his ALA Gym stable mates hold a public sparring session at 5 p.m. today at the Cebu IT Park.

Banal, who will face Hidalgo known as the “The Gourd” on March 24 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino will spar with stable mate Ralph Lulu.

The Banal-Hidalgo showdown will banner the Pinoy Pride XIII: Road to Glory card of the ALA Boxing Promotions. A victory by Banal will line up the Ermita, Cebu native to a world title challenge within the year.

Meanwhile, Rocky “The Road Warrior” Fuentes will spar against Mhar Jhun Macahilig while the young Albert “Prince” Pagara will go up against Marjhon Yap.

Bacolod’s Arthur “El Matador” Villanueva will face Melvin Gumban while fast rising Roma Rate will go up against Bacolod brawler Merlito Sabillo.

Fuentes, Villanueva and Pagara will fight in the undercard of Pinoy Pride XIII.

Also seeing action in the public sparring are Arian Canillas, Joseph Von Miñoza, ring clown Jojo Intor and Crispin Barba. /CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL