Bazooka's blind battle

WBO Asia-Pacific bantamweight champion AJ “Bazooka” Banal is facing an as yet unnamed opponent in “Pinoy Pride 7” in Lapu-Lapu City on July 30. And although his rival will be announced this week, he may be looking ahead to a more meaningful bout, a rematch with an opponent who embarrassed him in front of his home crowd and dealt him his only loss thus far in his professional career. That memory, also caused by his own inexperience, has been seared into his memory.

On Aug. 26, 2008 Banal, then merely 19, was given a break few fighters ever get. He was lined up to face Panamanian Rafael Concepcion in an elimination series for the Interim WBA world super flyweight title. Even though his managers at the fabled ALA Promotions had been putting him on track for a world title fight in another two years’ time, this was a golden chance to snatch a world championship. A year later, Concepcion would lose a unanimous decision to Nonito Donaire Jr. for the same belt.

Banal, a native of Bohol, trained furiously for the match. This was what he had been dreaming of since he first laced up his gloves at the tender age of nine, and it consumed him. All his stablemates were happy for him. Cebuanos everywhere anticipated a big explosion of a celebration after the bout.

“I was really hot for the Concepcion fight,” Banal recalls. “I trained so hard. I was so focused.”

Too focused, in fact. Three weeks before the fight, AJ was already at the weight limit. He was ready too soon, and it showed in all the photos and promotional materials he shot for ABS-CBN, which was broadcasting the fight. Keeping the weight down was draining, but he had no choice. And the fight was slated at the antiquated Cebu City Coliseum, famous for its humidity and lack of air-conditioning. And the place was sure to be packed with boxing-mad fans anticipating a big win.

One thing that stands out about Panamanian boxers is their ability to take a punch. They also keep plodding forward, wearing down opponents with a persistence second to none. It would be like trying to pulverize a boulder with a sledgehammer. Banal would have to be at his best in terms of endurance. He would need every ounce of strength to put the less-talented but sturdy Concepcion away. And Banal was also protecting an undefeated record.

The fight went as most people predicted. Concepcion, then carrying 10 wins, two losses and a draw with six knockouts, was solid, following Banal around the ring relentlessly. Concepcion was no patsy, just a meat and potatoes kind of fighter entering the ring coming off seven straight wins. Banal was the sizzle, Concepcion was the steak.

AJ was impressive, displaying his full southpaw arsenal, though a little reckless on defense. He was leading all the way, but Concepcion was still in his face, every square foot of the ring.

By the seventh round, Banal started to wilt. He was losing steam and getting dehydrated. By the eighth round, things were getting fuzzy. His mind started to shut down. He just needed to survive a few more rounds, and he would be just a step away from a world title if he could manage it. But Concepcion was still grinding away at him, unwavering.

By the tenth round, Banal had nothing left. He was burnt out. Concepcion stayed consistent, caught him with a flurry, and he was finished for the night. Tested after the fight, he had inadvertently depleted his electrolytes to dangerous levels. Less than two months later, the Panamanian would lose the next phase of the eliminations against Jorge Arce, whom some say Banal could have handily defeated then.

Since that lone loss, Bazooka has not lost, a man possessed knocking out five of his last seven opponents in four rounds or less. The memory of that lone stain on his record drives him. Regardless of who his next opponent will be, he will be a punching bag in preparation for the rematch with Concepcion.

“I really want that Concepcion fight,” Banal says with a fire in his eyes. “I’ve learned my lessons and have become much better fighter. That’s what keeps me driven.”

Just like his stablemate Boom Boom Bautista two weeks ago, AJ Banal is after redemption. And his next opponent will bear the brunt of his ire.