THE presence of WBO No. 1-ranked contender AJ “Bazooka” Banal will be a fantastic treat for fight fans in Dumaguete City. The 23 year-old Banal will be added to the July 21 fight card and he is penned to face Indonesia’s Ruben Manakane in a non-title match-up.
Banal (27W-1L-1D, 20 KOs), who is the reigning WBO Asia Pacific Bantamweight champion, is eyeing a shot at the vacant WBO world bantamweight title against the WBO No. 2 contender Pungluang Sor Singyu (42W-1L, 27KOs) of Thailand.
ALA Promotions has been reported to be negotiating to bring this fight to the Philippines. Banal has not fought since March 24 when he stopped Mexican Raul Hidalgo in just one round. His fight against Manakane could very well serve as a tune-up for his title shot.
The WBO world bantamweight title was previously held by Jorge Arce but was vacated by the Mexican boxer who plans to move up to 122 lbs. and fight reigning WBO/IBF champ Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire.
The Dumaguete fight card is part of the ALA Promotions-Cobra Energy Drink ‘Tunay na Lakas Boxing’ series and is set at the Dumaguete City Quadrangle. Also featured in this event are prospects Joseph Von Miñoza vs. RJ Ano-os. /Correspondent Rene Bonsubre Jr.