Banal to fight without Roach by his side

By Edri K. Aznar

RENOWED boxing train-er Freddie Roach won’t be in ALA boy AJ Banal’s corner when he faces Mexican veteran Jose Angel Beranza in the “Island Assault” boxing showdown on Aug. 29 in Hawaii because of personal matters he had to attend to.

Earlier this week, Roach, who molded Manny Pacquiao’s boxing style from a slugger to a complete fighter, said he wanted to be in Banal’s corner in Hawaii but because of an important appointment, he will miss the trip.

“As of now, he will not be able to make it because something came up,” ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer told Sun.Star Cebu.

However, even if Roach won’t be in Banal’s corner this Sunday (RP time) in Hawaii, Aldeguer is still ecstatic with the new development as the famed trainer has shown interest in guiding the 19-year-old Cebuano fighter’s boxing career.

“We really wanted him in AJ’s corner,” said Aldeguer.

“But what’s important for us is the long-term plan of Freddie joining the team in all the future fights,” he said.

Aldeguer is planning to fly to the US in October or November to formalize the agreement with Roach.

He will also be there in the US to discuss the upcoming fights of his wards Z Gorres, who will be seeing action on Nov. 13, and welterweight prospect Mark Jason Melligen, who will be scheduled to fight on Oct. 17 and Dec. 12.

Banal is scheduled to fly to Hawaii today and will be accompanied by trainer Edmund Villamor and ALA Promotions vice president Dennis Cañete.

Banal has been on a two-fight winning streak since he lost to former world titleholder Rafael Concepcion in 2008 at the Cebu Coliseum.

He holds a record of 19 victories, a defeat and a draw with 16 knockouts.

On the other hand, Beranza is an experienced fighter with 32 wins, 15 losses and two draws with 25 knockouts.

He has fought the likes of former world champion Johnny Gonzales, one-time world title challenger Nestor Rocha and defeated World Boxing Organization super flyweight titlist Ivan Hernandez.


Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on August 27, 2009.

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.”