The press conference launching the eagerly awaited battle for the vacant WBO bantamweight title between No.1 ranked AJ ?Bazooka? Banal and No.2 ranked challenger Pungluang Sor Singyu of Thailand will take place at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino today.
The sturdy Thai challenger who is known more for his rugged style and punching power was scheduled to face-off with Banal for the first time at the ?Pinoy Pride XVI? press conference. The Thai fighter is being accompanied by the prominent One Songchai Promotions representative Michel Du.
The 24 year old Pungluang has an impressive record of 42-1 with 27 knockouts while the 23 year old southpaw Banal has a record 28-1-1 with 20 knockouts. The famed ALA Promotions will stage the first world title fight at the Mall of Asia Arena on October 20 and will be telecast by the giant broadcast network ABS-CBN Channel 2.
It took some tough back and forth negotiations and hard bargaining before ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer was finally able to seal the deal with the big, influential One Songchai Promotions of Thailand.
The clash for the vacant title followed Mexican warrior Jorge Arce?s decision to relinquish the title and move up to super bantamweight.
Pungluang Sor Suingyu has a reputation of being a conqueror of Filipino opponents having beaten 14 of them in his career.
He is the current WBO Oriental bantam weight champion having won by a 6th round TKO over Marvin Tampus on August 17, 2011.
Among the Filipino fighters Pungluang Sor Singyu has beaten in retaining his title are Nathan Bolcio (TKO 2), Danilo Pena (Retired in round 7), Elmar Francisco (US 12) and Rocardo Roa (TKO 5) on July 6, 2012.
Banal has won eleven straight fights since his stunning 10th round knockout loss to Rafael Concepcion of Panama on July 26, 2008 when the Filipino who was leading comfortably on the scorecards of all three judges before he suddenly and inexplicably faded away.
Banal has trained hard for his second shot at a world title and has vowed not to let the chance slip away.
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