Sun.Star: AJ 'Bazooka' Banal to face toughest firepower test

Youthful sensation AJ “Bazooka" Banal is facing a deadlier and younger opponent in his quest to win his first-ever boxing title—the WBO Youth super flyweight belt on Sept. 30 at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Lahug. Banal, seen as the next boxing great of the Philippines, will now face Genaro “Duro" Camargo, a 21-year-old power puncher from Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico, instead of Jovany Soto as earlier reported. According to international boxing promoter Sammy Gello-ani, Soto’s manager Francisco Landedros told him that the Mexican Boxing Federation (MBF) would not allow his ward to fight in the Philippines because of his scheduled title defense on Sept. 28 in Mexico City. “If he fights in the Philippines, they will suspend him and strip him of his titles," Landedros said in a message sent to Gello-ani. Soto (25-7-1, 20 KOs) is currently the defending Boxing Commission Boxing (Fecombox) and the National Mexican super flyweight champion. With this development, Gello-ani had quickly struck a deal with the camp of Camargo, a youthful super-flyweight qualifier who has been fighting opponents bigger and heavier than he is. Of his eight knockout victories, Camargo won them all inside three rounds—three kissed the canvas for good—Manuel Pinzon, Javier Castro and Jorge Lopez, within the first round. Camargo was earlier scheduled to fight compatriot Carlos Ybañez, who has a menacing record of 13-0, 10 KOs on Sept. 14 but decided to grab the chance to be ranked among the top 10 of the WBO 115-lb division and steal the lofty world rankings of the 18-year old Banal. This fight will be a classic showdown of power punches and talent as Camargo and Banal are likely to destroy each other in a 10-round championship bout. Banal, however, is not unfazed by the credentials of his new opponent. “Bring him on. Whoever he is, I am ready to face him anytime, anywhere," said the Ermita, Cebu City-raised fighter. The main event, however, is an equally mouthwatering showdown for the vacant WBO minimum weight title. WBO No. 1 and ALA Boy Donnie “Ahas" Nietes (21-1-3, 13 KOs) will face an undefeated No. 3 contender Pornsawan Krating-daeng gym of Thailand in a scheduled 12-rounder. - Sun.Star