Photo Courtesy: Ajbanal.blogspot.com

I remember the late American General George Patton saying ‘Success means how high you bounce back when you hit the bottom’. Alex John Banal or more known as AJ Banal was a heartbeat away for an interim title back in July 2008 when he was knocked out in the 10^th round by Rafael Concepcion of Panama. AJ was clearly leading in the scorecards when he lost steam towards the end of the fight that sent him kissing the canvass. It was a big disappointment not only for Banal but also for Filipinos who came to watch in Cebu.

Banal’s bout against Concepcion was his last in 2008. The 21-year old native of Ermita, Cebu City underwent soul searching before going back to roadwork and in the gym. His handlers remain confident that AJ can go over that frustrating loss. Nicknamed ‘Bazooka’, Banal climbed back the ring on January 31 this year versus Nouldy Manakane of Indonesia and knocked him out in the 4^th round. Nearly five months later, the ‘Bazooka’ again exploded early and sent his opponent Mbwana Matumla to the wonderland in the 2^nd round. Banal’s latest victim in Jose Angel Beranza of Mexico survived Banal’s furious onslaught but AJ ended in a Unanimous Decision victory in a one sided affair.

2009 is truly the year when AJ ‘reloads’ his confidence back. He bounces back with vengeance and is ready to face anybody in his division.