Roach breeds wilder Bazooka

EXPECT a much improved AJ Banal on Aug. 29, when he faces Mexican veteran Jose Angel Beranza, as his skills have been honed at the renowned US boxing gym, the Wild Card Gym in California.

Banal has been training for close to three months under the watchful eye of Freddie Roach, who trains pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao, and he has gained some experience that could be beneficial in his upcoming bout.

“So far, so good. Freddie has helped a lot in correcting AJ’s flaws,” ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer told Sun.Star Cebu in an interview.

Star

Aldeguer believes that with the help of Roach, Banal would become a better fighter and achieve his full potential as a possible boxing star.

“Little by little, with the guidance of Freddie, it will help him a lot in understanding things,” said Aldeguer.

Banal has been sparring with Rodel Mayol, who has an upcoming rematch with World Boxing Organization light flyweight king Ivan Calderon in September.

Banal’s foe Beranza doesn’t have an impressive resume with a 32-15-2 win-loss-draw record, with 25 knockouts. However, he has fought some of the best in the lower divisions like former world champion Jhonny Gonzalez, Nestor Rocha, Heriberto Ruiz and former world champion Ivan Hernandez whom he defeated by a unanimous decision.

“He’s a fighter, he comes in. He’s a typical Mexican. He has fought some good fighters,” said Aldeguer.

Replaced

Banal was originally slated to fight hard-hitting Mexican pugilist Victor Proa, but because of an injury he was replaced by fellow Mexican Beranza.

“We always tell AJ to prepare for different styles,” said Aldeguer.

Aldeguer said they will assess the progress of Banal if he is ready for the bigger picture, another crack at a world title.

“We’ll see his progression. He is still 20 years old. He still has a lot to learn. We’ll assess if he is ready for another title shot in the future,” he said.

So far, the talented Cebuano fighter has been impressive since his first career loss in the hands of Rafael Concepcion last year. He has racked up two impressive wins, both by stoppages.

Banal knocked out Indonesian Nouldy Mana-kane in the fourth round, while he stopped former International Boxing Organization flyweight champion Mbwana Matumla in the second.

“He has learned his mistakes. He has learned so much from that fight,” said Aldeguer.

“So far AJ has improved. He’s now more patient because now he knows that the knockout will come and he’s not forcing it anymore.”