Banal, Thai foe eye KO victory

Pasay City— This Saturday’s encounter between top-rated fighters definitely has all the makings of a blockbuster.

Hard-punching Cebuano boxer AJ “Bazooka” Banal and Thailand’s Pungluang Sor Singyu gave a prelude of things to come as they traded scathing remarks in a press briefing for the Pinoy Pride 17: Philippines vs. the World at the Midas Hotel yesterday.

Sor Singyu (42W-1L-43KOs) didn’t mince words when he boldly declared that Banal is going to have a short night when they clash for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight title tomorrow at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“I am not worried at all of my chances of winning. It won’t be a difficult fight. I am going to knock him out in six rounds,” said Sor Singyu through his promoter Pariyakorn Ratanasuban, president of the Thailand-based One Songchai Promotions.

Sitting five seats away from the Thai, Banal just smiled and shook his head.

“It’s good that he started talking like this. His threat isn’t going to happen because I will knock him out within five rounds. This is going to be an action-packed fight,” said Banal, who is the No. 1 contender in the WBO bantamweight division where Sor Singyu is ranked 2nd.

BANAL’S POWER

“I have sparred for 130 rounds for this fight. I’ll give my best in every round. Of course, I’ll be targeting a knockout in every round,” said Banal (28W-1L-1D, 2O KOs), who is looking to finally nail a world title after failing in his first attempt against Panama’s Rafael Concepcion four years ago at the Cebu Coliseum.

One of Banal’s sparringmates, Michael “Bruce” Lee Domingo, shared Banal’s progress in training.

“I can say that he is really in top condition. I felt his power in our sparring sessions,” said Domingo, who will fight in the undercard against Mudde Ntambe Rabison of Uganda, Africa.

Though it took several months before it was finalized that the mega-fight will be held in the country, it didn’t mean that Sor Singyu was afraid of fighting in Banal’s home turf.

“It (negotiation) took long because we wanted a best deal. Sor Singyu can fight and win anywhere. We believe in his capability,” said Ratanasuban.

BAUTISTA IN VERY GOOD SHAPE

Providing an interesting subplot is the main undercard encounter of Rey “Boom-Boom” Bautista and Mexico’s Daniel Ruiz.

“I have never felt this good before. I am really in a very good shape,” said Bautista (33W-2L-25KOs).

Bautista will definitely be tested as Ruiz vowed to put him to sleep.

“This is going to be a good fight. I’m predicting a knockout,” said the WBC Latino Super Featherweight champion who has 19 knockouts in 27 victories. Ruiz has five losses and two draws.

“Let’s just do it in the ring,” retorted Bautista.

Another ALA Gym stalwart Jason Pagara (29W-2L-18KOs) will go up against Barbados’ Miguel Antoine (17W-1D-9KOs).

Meanwhile, Michael Aldeguer, president/CEO of ALA Promotions, said tickets sales for the upcoming card “has been very great.”

“It has been very good. We will be happy already if half of our target will be met,” said Aldeguer.

It will be the first time that a boxing event will be held at the spanking 17,000-seater arena.

“We are impressed with the preparations. ALA Promotions is very nice to us and we love the place,” said Ratanasuban.