Banal: I’m still far from retirement

While critics say that AJ “Bazooka” Banal has nothing left in his tank following his painful defeat last October, many still believe that the 22-year-old boxer can bounce back and reestablish his once promising career.

Banal suffered a painful ninth-round technical knockout against Thai Pungluang Sor Singyu last Oct. 22, 2012 at the Mall of Asia Arena for the vacant World Boxing Organization bantamweight title.

Some thought it was the end for Banal but others believed he would bounce back, including ALA Promotions CEO Michael Aldeguer.

“I always believed in his talent,” said Aldeguer during yesterday’s launching of Pinoy Pride 21 at the Saint Mark Hotel. “Let’s just hope that his talent can bring him back.”

Banal (28-2-1, 20 KOs) is set to make his much awaited comeback when he faces Mexican Abraham “Cholo” Gomez (18-7-1, 9 KOs) in the undercard of the Pinoy Pride XXI: When Worlds Collide on July 13 at the Solaire Resort and Casino in Manila.

The card’s main event features reigning WBO minimumweight champion  Merlito “El Tigre” Sabillo (22-0, 11 KOs) facing off against Colombian Jorle Estrada (17-6, 6 KOs).

STILL DANGEROUS

Aldeguer said Banal’s loss last year doesn’t mean he has lost his winning touch.

“It’s hard to say that it’s his last chance because a lot of boxers go through a roller coaster ride. Everyone’s expectations is just too much for Banal, who started his career at the age of 19. Brian Viloria, Flash Elorde and other boxers won world titles at the age of 30. Banal is just 22 years old so he can still pull the trigger and make things happen.

But if Banal wants to get back with a bang, Aldeguer said he should work hard for it.  “But we will always support him win or lose.”

Banal, meanwhile, said he is eager to get back in the ring and prove he is far from retirement.

“I’m very excited for my comeback. I’ll do my best to win titles again and I want to avenge that loss,” said Banal.

During Banal’s rebuilding process, his trainers, Edito and Edmund Villamor, motivated him to regain his confidence inside the ring.

“We trained him so hard because his comeback will not be easy. This Mexican boxer (Gomez) is very competitive inside the ring,” said Edito Villamor.

Banal’s most sought after title, the WBO world bantamweight belt, is now in the hands of Paulus Ambunda of Namibia, South Africa, who defeated Sor Singyu. Ambunda will face Tomoki Kameda of Japan this August here in Cebu.

Meanwhile, Sabillo is set to take on the big stage as he is now one of the boxers expected to spearhead ALA Promotions’ future fight cards.

He said it’s a huge blessing fighting in the main event and in a premier venue. This will be his first title defense and he will be going up against Estrada, who is currently number six in the WBO minimum weight division.

“My preparations is very good. With regards to knocking him out, it depends on the timing of the punch that I’m delivering, let’s hope that I’ll win by knockout,” said Sabillo.

VILLANUEVA EYES ASPAC CROWN

In the co-main event, “King” Arthur Villanueva (22-0, 12 KOs), the reigning OPBF superflyweight champion, looks to snatch the vacant WBO Asia-Pacific super flyweight title against Mexican Arturo “Fuerte” Badillo (21-4, 19 KOs), who is a former WBA world super flyweight champion.

If Villanueva will win against Badillo, he will be having two regional titles, the WBO and OPBF in the super flyweight division.