PUNGLUANG Sor Singyu of Thailand has predicted a sixth-round knockout against AJ `Bazooka in their World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight title match on Saturday.
Unfortunately for the Thai, the 23-year-old Filipino said the 12-round fight won’t last that long.
“Six rounds pala siya e. Ako knockout siya in five,” said `Bazooka,’ drawing a lot of cheers from those present at the press conference of Pinoy Pride XVII: Philippines vs. The World on Thursday at the Midas Hotel.
“Hindi tayo papayag ng ganun. Pag nakakuha ng pagkakataon, tatapusin natin ng maaga."
This will be Banal's first shot at a world title and he vows not to waste the opportunity and the big break provided him by the father-and-son tandem of Tony and Michael Aldeguer, head of the country’s biggest ring stable, the Cebu-based ALA Boxing.
“Ready na tayo. Ang tagal kong hinintay ito,” said Banal, a native of Bukidnon but now based in the Queen City of the South.
The Filipino has a ring record of 28-1-1, with 20 KOs. His only career loss came in 2008 when he absorbed a 10th-round knockout at the hands of Panamanian Rafael Concepcion in Cebu City while still fighting as a super-flyweight.
Among those Banal had beaten include former world champion Juan Alberto Rosas and ex-world rated Angky Angkota.
But Sor Singyu could provide him his biggest challenge yet.
The 26-year-old Thai has beaten several Filipino foes in the past, including six in his last fights. Ranked No.2 by the WBO, Sor Singyu has a mean record of 42-1, with 27 KOs.
Mexican Daniel Ruiz also promised to deliver a knockout win against Rey `Boom Boom’ Bautista in their WBO International featherweight title match as part of the undercard.
“There will be a knockout. There won’t be a decision,” said the Mexican (27-5-2, 19 KOs) from Los Mochis through his interpreter and assistant trainer Melencio Ricardo Omar Zamora.
“Magaling na boxer,” said Bautista (33-2, 25 KOs) of his Mexican opponent as the Filipino tried to keep a low profile.
Also part of the major undercard is WBO International light-welterweight champion Jason Pagara, who stakes his title against Miguel `Hands of Stone’ Antoine of Barbados.
Official weigh-in for the boxing card presented by ALA Promotions is set on Friday noon at the Music Hall of the Mall of Asia Arena.
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