Several years ago A.J “Bazooka” Banal was widely touted as one of the top young fighters coming through. After being a pro for 3 years Banal was thrust into a fight with Rafael Concepcion for the Vacant Interim WBA Super Flyweight title, it proved a bridge to far as the more battle tested Concepcion ground out a tenth round stoppage. It was a tough defeat to take but to his credit Banal still only 21 took some time off moved up to Bantamweight and has reeled off 5 straight wins with all but one of them being inside the distance. Most recently Banal now 22-1-1(18) showed that the loss hadn’t diminished his fans support when an incredible 30,000 turned up to see him stop Big Yoo in five. With that win he has been catapulted into a fight with former world champion Luis Alberto Perez which takes place in the opulent splendour of the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel, Cebu. Banal is currently ranked WBC 11#, WBA 4#, IBF 3# & WBO 3# at Bantamweight.
Hello AJ, welcome to 15rounds.com
Anson Wainwright – You have a tough fight coming up at the end of October when you face former World champion Luis Alberto Perez. What are your thoughts on that fight?
A.J Banal – I think it will be a great fight because Luis Perez is a former world champion and he is a very good fighter as well. It will be a great fight and I hope a lot of people will support and watch our fight live.
Anson Wainwright – In your last fight you beat Big Yoo when you stopped him in five. What can you tell us about that fight? Also how happy were you with that performance?
A.J Banal – It was a great give and take fight with Big Yoo and he is a great fighter. My performance was okay. What made me happy was to see and please the 30,000 that came to watch our fight. It made the win sweeter. Many thank you’s to all that supported us.
Anson Wainwright – That’s a fantastic support. What can you tell us about fighting in front of so many fans was like?
A.J Banal – The experience was overwhelming. It was amazing. I was just so ecstatic after the win knowing that I did not disappoint everybody who came and supported me that night.
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team, who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you use regular?
A.J Banal – My manager is Michael Aldeguer who also happens to be the President of ALA Promotions. My trainer is Edmund Villamor and I fight under ALA Promotions. One very important person in my life is Mr. Antonio Aldeguer who I consider my second father. He has guided me not just in boxing but in life as well. I have been training under his wing since I was 9 years of age.
Anson Wainwright – The ALA gym is well know through out the world what can you tell us from your first hand experience of it? What other fighters train there?
A.J Banal – ALA Gym is my home and for me is the greatest gym in the world. I started training there since I was 9 years old. A lot of world class boxers train there like World Champ Donnie Nietes, Milan Melindo, Boom Boom Bautista, Michael Domingo and Mark Melligen to name a few. It is where boxing greats Gerry Penalosa, Rodel Mayol, Malcolm Tuñacao and Edito Villamor also trained.
Anson Wainwright – Your last few fights have been at Bantamweight whereas the Perez fight will be at Catchweight 120. Are you looking to stay at Bantamweight or are you moving up to Super Bantamweight? Also who are you targeting for a title shot?
A.J Banal – I am staying at bantamweight and i feel comfortable here. I feel I still have a lot to learn and in the future maybe challenge Fernando Montiel or the WBA Champion.
Anson Wainwright – It feels like you’ve been around for years already and your not 22 till December. You’ve been a pro for just over five years now, how happy are you with how your career has gone so far? What would you like to achieve in the coming years?
A.J Banal – I am happy with my career and I feel I still have a lot coming for me. My ultimate goal like every boxers dream is to become a great World Champion.
Anson Wainwright – You lost when you faced Rafael Concepcion a couple of years ago, looking back do you think that fight was a little soon for you?
A.J Banal – I don’t think it was too soon. We had a game plan but I failed to execute. I have learned a lot after that fight.
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your early years growing up in Bukidnon? Were things tough as they are for many boxers or did you have a good childhood?
A.J Banal – I was only born there but grew up in Cebu. It was tough growing up in downtown Cebu with the gangs and all around. Good thing I got into boxing that taught me a lot especially discipline.
Anson Wainwright – What are your thoughts on what Manny Pacquiao has achieved and what it means to your country?
A.J Banal – Manny Pacquiao brought a lot of pride and honor to our country and opened the gates of other Filipino boxers to fight abroad.
Anson Wainwright – When your not Boxing what do you like to do with your time? What are your Interests?
A.J Banal – I just love to relax and play games on my laptop and hang out with my friends during our free time.
Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans around the World & your people in The Philippines?
A.J Banal – I would like to thank God for everything and thank all the boxing fans who have supported me with their prayers. I can only hope they will continue that support not only to me but all other Filipino boxers around. Thank you to all once again.
Thanks for your time A.J, keep up the good work.
Thank you Sir.
Anson Wainwright
