WORLD BOXING ORGANIZATION

Luis Batista Salas, Esq.
Chairman
WBO Championship Committee

TO: ALL BONA FIDE PROMOTERS
FROM: LUIS BATISTA SALAS, ESQ.
DATE: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH 2019
RE: WBO BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE -PURSE BID- ZOLANI TETE VS. JOHN RIEL CASIMERO

As per Section 11 through 14 of the WBO Regulations for World Championship Contests (www.wboboxing.com) and as per promoter’s request, please be advised a Purse Bid will be held at 9:00 a.m. (PST) on Saturday, September 14th 2019, at the following venue:

MGM Grand Las Vegas Hotel
3799 Las Vegas, Blvd, Las Vegas, NV
89109, United States of America
Telephone: +1 (877) 880-0880
E-Mail: infonews@wboboxing.com

The minimum acceptable bid for the World Bantamweight Division is $100,000.00 US Dollars.
In accordance with the WBO Championship Rules & Regulations, the President, Francisco Valcárcel, Esq. will preside over the Purse Bid.

Any additional information, please visit our website at www.wboboxing.com or contact the WBO main office.

===================================================================

Luis Batista Salas, Esq.
Chairman
WBO Championship Committee

September 5th 2019

VIA EMAIL: Mr. Frank Warren Queensberry Promotions – Mr. Sean Gibbons MP Promotions

Re: WBO Bantamweight Championship Contest – Purse Bid Zolani Tete vs. John Riel Casimero

Gentlemen:

As per Section 11 through 14 of the enclosed copy of the WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests (www.wboboxing.com), please be advised that a Purse Bid will be held at 9:00 a.m. (PST) on Saturday, September 14th, 2019, at the following venue:

MGM Grand Hotel & Casino
Lobby Area
3799 S Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Telephone: +1 (877) 880-0880
E-mail: infonews@wboboxing.com

Pursuant with our WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests on Purse Bid procedures, be advised on the following:

The minimum acceptable bid for the WBO Bantamweight Division is $100,000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Dollars).

WBO President Francisco Valcárcel, Esq., will preside purse bid proceedings.
Kindly note the following provisions:

1. If the Champion is injured and depending on the type of injury and the needed recovery time, or is unavailable or refuses to fight, the WBO Championship Committee in accordance with the WBO Regulations, will declare the title is “Vacant” and could recommend to the WBO Ratings Committee that the former Champion be rated at the number one (1) position in the WBO Bantamweight Division in accordance with the ABC and WBO Ratings Criteria. Consequently, the
Interim WBO Champion will be elevated to WBO Bantamweight Champion status.

2. If the WBO Interim Champion is injured, unavailable or refuses to fight, his title will be declared “Vacant” and the WBO Championship Committee could recommend to the WBO Ratings Committee that the former Interim Champion be rated at the number one (1) position in the Bantamweight Division in accordance with the ABC and WBO Ratings Critera. The WBO Bantamweight Champion may be allowed a “Voluntary” fight or the Committee may issue any other ruling pursuant with the WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests.

3. Signed contracts shall be filed to the WBO Offices within five (5) days from the adjudication of the Purse Bid.

4. 50% of the total proposed purse in the form of a certified check, cashier’s check or money order payable to the WBO, or money in cash, in the legal tender of the United States of America (dollars), shall be filed in an Escrow Account within ten (10) days from the adjudication of the Purse Bid.

5. Bout must be held no later than 90 days from the adjudication of the Purse Bid.

Conversely, be advised that as result of then former WBO Bantamweight Champion Marlon Tapales’ inactivity, this Committee ordered an elimination bout to determine the Mandatory Challenger of the referenced division between Zolani Tete vs. Arthur Villanueva. On April 22nd 2017, Tapales lost his title at the scale due to exceeding the prescribed Bantamweight Division weight limit. Subsequently, this Committee sanctioned an Interim Championship Contest between the aforementioned contestants which also, was held on the same date at the Leicester Arena, Leicester, Leicestershire, United Kingdom. Tete defeated Villanueva via Unanimous Decision (UD) to win the Interim WBO Bantamweight Championship Title. Immediately thereafter, Tete was elevated to WBO Bantamweight Champion status and successfully defeated Siboniso Gonya via Knockout (KO); bout held at the SSE Arena, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.

Shortly thereafter, Tete successfully defended the aforementioned title against former WBO Flyweight and Jr. Bantamweight Champion Omar Narvaez via Unanimous Decision (UD); bout held at the SSE Arena, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.

Afterward, Tete entered the Bantamweight Division Tournament held by World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) and faced Mikhail Aloyan winning via unanimous decision (UD); bout held in Ekaterinburg Expo, Ekaterinburg, Russia, on October 13th 2018. Then, Tete was scheduled to face former WBO Bantamweight and Jr. Featherweight Champion Nonito Donaire in a Unification Bantamweight Championship bout scheduled for April 27th 2019, at Lafayette, Louisiana, USA. In light of the tournament’s duration, lack of activity within the division, and considering the rights of all the contenders in the referenced division, the WBO World Championship Committee ordered an Interim Championship contest on April 16th 2019, between then ranked contenders Ricardo Espinoza and former WBO Jr. Flyweight Champion John Riel Casimero. The bout was held at the Dignity Health Stadium in Los Angeles, California, whereby Casimero won via Knockout (KO). Days before the bout, on April 24th 2019, Tete’s representatives informed the WBO that their fighter had suffered an injury in his shoulder and therefore, decided withdrawing from the referenced bout and WBSS tournament. Furthermore, on May 5th 2019, Queensberry Promotions on behalf of Tete filed via email an official medical certification confirming said injury, and advising that Tete would return to active training within 4-6 weeks. On July 11th 2019, Tete’s promotional representatives filed another medical certification indicating the status of said fighter’s recovery period and advising that the rehab period would extend until the month of September of the aforementioned year.

Considering Tete’s recovery extension period, the WBO sanctioned a “Voluntary” bout between WBO Interim Bantamweight Champion Casimero and contender Cesar Ramirez; bout held on Saturday, August 24th 2019, at San Andres Civic & Sports Center, District of Malate, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines. Casimero successfully defended his title winning via Knockout (KO) in round ten (10). Moreover, on August 26th 2019, this Committee ordered commencement of negotiations between the Team Tete and Team Casimero whereby the parties where granted ten (10) days to reach an agreement. Unfortunately, the parties could not reach an agreement and on Tuesday, September 3rd 2019, Mr. Sean Gibbons on behalf of MP Promotions, requested Purse Bid Procedures accordingly. Said request was also ratified by Mr. Andy Ayling of Queensberry Promotions on the same date.

In summary, Tete only fought on two (2) occasions during 2018, being his last fight on October 13th 2018. Thus far, Tete has not participate in active competition in over eleven (11) months whereas, Casimero won the Interim Bantamweight Championship and successfully defended said title. Therefore, having Tete fully healed and fit to box, and Casimero being designated Mandatory Challenger in the Bantamweight Division, this Committee has ordered that both contestants fight in order to determine only one WBO Bantamweight Champion. In light of the foregoing circumstances, and pursuant to Section 1(b)(1) (20)(c) of the WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests, and this Committee having the authority and discretion empowered by our rules, the WBO World Championship Committee determines as follows:

SECTION 1. WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP COMMITTEE
(b) The World Championship Committee shall have the following powers and discretion:

(1)To determine the format and venue for making any determination that is subject of the WBO World Championship Rules; and,

(20) To make or recommend exceptions or variations from the Rules as the W orld Championship Committee determines are necessary, and

(c) The above powers shall be interpreted to include any and all powers necessary, helpful or convenient to accomplish the purposes, policies, and intent of these rules.

SECTION 13. DIVISION OF PURSE BID FOR CHAMPIONSHIPS HELD PURSUANT TO PURSE BID
(a)The purse for Championship Contests held and completed pursuant to Purse Bids (except those Championship Contests involving situations described in Section (14)(e) hereof, the Purse Bid division for which shall be distributed as per Section (14)(e)(2) shall be distributed as follows:

(1) CHAMPIONSHIPS with an EXISTING CHAMPION

(A)In fights for the Title between the Champion and the Mandatory Challenger held in the country of origin, residence or nationality of the  Champion, the Champion shall receive 75% of the purse and the Challenger shall receive the remaining 25%.
(B)In fights for the title held in any other country, the Champion shall receive 80% of the purse and the Challenger shall receive the remaining 20%.

Wherefore, the WBO Bantamweight Champion Zolani Tete shall receive 75% of the purse and the WBO Interim Bantamweight Champion John Riel Casimero (Mandatory Challenger) shall receive the remaining 25% of the purse.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our main offices.

Yours truly,

Luis Batista Salas, Esq.
Cc: Francisco Valcárcel, Esq./President

Zolani Tete v Victor Ruiz Photo Credit: Action Images / Craig Brough –

By:  Herman Gibbs –

CAPE TOWN – Eastern Cape bantamweight Zolani ‘Last Born’ Tete oozed class over 12 rounds on his way to an emphatic points win over Filipino Arthur Villanueva on Saturday’s ‘City of Champions’ card at Leicester Arena, England.

The fight was a title eliminator for the WBO bantamweight crown held by Filipino Marlon Tapales who claimed the belt last July. Tete was in command from the opening bell and in the 11th round, he dropped Villanueva.

After 12 rounds, Tete was declared the unanimous points winner with scores of 120-107 and 119-108 (twice). Despite the huge margins, the fight was not one-sided but on the occasions when Villanueva broke through his opponent’s defences, Tete responded almost immediately with telling counter-punches to wrest back the initiative.

C-CRjLvXYAA9maA

 

Frank Warren 

 Tete is putting on a masterclass here in Leicester! Heading towards another belt.”

 

Meanwhile, in an interesting development, WBO President Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcarcel, announced before the start of the bout that Tapales had been stripped of the title because he failed to make weight at the weigh-in for his scheduled defence against Japan’s Shohei Omori on Sunday in Osaka Japan.

As Tete’s bout against Villanueva was originally scheduled to be an elimination bout to determine the mandatory challenger for the WBO bantamweight title, it was elevated to an interim title fight. In the event of Omori winning, he’ll be declared the champion.

Previously, the Mdantsane-born Tete, 29, won the IBF super flyweight title in December 2015. Tete fights under the banner of British promoter Frank Warren. During the pre-fight announcements, Tete and one of his cornermen wore a T-shirt bearing the late Nick Durandt’s photo with the words RIP. A few years ago, Tete was trained by Durandt.

www.iol.co.za/sport/boxing/sas-tete-all-class-as-he-reigns-supreme-to-win-wbo-interim-title-8779988

111016inoue00t

Report, photos by Joe Koizumi

Inoue brothers will appear in the same show to fight for the WBO belts in Tokyo on December 30. It was announced by Ohashi Promotions on Wednesday. WBO junior bantamweight champ Naoya Inoue (11-0, 9 KOs), making his fourth defense, will face former WBA titlist, veteran compatriot Kohei Kono (32-9-1, 13 KOs) in a sensational matchup. His younger brother, Takuma Inoue (8-0, 2 KOs), only 20, will have an ambitious crack at the WBO bantam throne against Filipino hard-punching southpaw Marlon Tapales (29-2, 12 KOs). Also, IBF junior flyweight titleholder Akira Yaegashi (24-5, 12 KOs) will appear on the same card. An elongated southpaw, 2012 Olympic bronze medalist Satoshi Shimizu (1-0, 1 KO)will fight his second pro bout on the undercard.

thumbs_111016inoue001 thumbs_111016inoue002

www.fightnews.com/Boxing/inoue-brothers-fight-wbo-115lb-118lb-belts-359430#more-359430

 

WBO_logo

May 9, 2016

Mrs. Pariyakorn Ratanasuban –  Pungluang Sor Singyu

Mr. Rex Wakee Salud – Marlon Tapales

Re: Friendly Reminder re WBO Bantamweight Negotiation Letter Between Pungluang Sor Singyu vs. Marlon Tapales

Gentlemen:

On March 11th 2016, a Sor Singyu vs. Marlon Tapales negotiation letter was sent giving the parties ten (10) days to negotiate. Then, on March 20th an extension request to finalize the agreement was received from Rex “Wakee” Salud. On March 22nd, a five (5) day extension was granted until Monday, March 28th 2016. Please inform us immediately the date of the bout.

Thank you.

Cordially,

paco-firma

FRANCISCO VALCARCEL, ESQ. – President

photo1

By Rick Reeno –

The bids are in for the mandatory fight between WBO bantamweight champion Tomoki Kameda (30-0, 19KOs) and top rated challenger Alejandro Hernandez (28-10-2, 15KOs). Warriors Boxing, taking part on behalf of Kameda, secured the rights with a bid of $603,000 dollars. All Star Boxing, who have Hernandez, bid far less at $151,000 dollars. The date and location of the fight will be announced in the coming days.

Kameda debuted last month in the United States as part of the Saul Alvarez-Erislandy Lara undercard from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. He knocked out Pungluang Sor Singyu in seven rounds. After the fight he signed an agreement with influential manager/adviser Al Haymon.

Hernandez became the mandatory challenger in June when he captured the WBO’s interim title with an upset decision over countryman Daniel Rosas.

The purse bid split is 80-20 in favor of the champion. Team Kameda says November 1 is being targeted for the fight, possibly at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago.

http://www.boxingscene.com/kameda-hernandez-purse-bid-won-by-warriors–80819

Tomoki+Kameda+Canelo+Alvarez+v+Erislandy+Lara+ehBkaliJ-Okl

Mexico City, Mexico: The team for WBO Bantamweight interim champion Alejandro “Payasito” Hernandez of Mexico will request purse bids for the mandatory fight against Champion Tomoki “El Mexicanito” Kameda.

The WBO had given the parties involved a 30 day period in order to negotiate and make the fight happen within 90 days. If there is no agreement they will call for purse bids.

“After receiving the letter from the WBO, I have tried to reach out to Kameda´s team with no success, we will request the WBO to call for purse bids” said Promoter Tuto Zabala, Jr. “We want to fulfill our obligations with the organization, and after talking with “Payasito” and my partner Ricardo Maldonado Jr we have the same goal which is bringing the fight to our hometown of Mexico City. We know him very well after sparring many times in Mexico and we are sure of the victory” he added.

Tomorrow Hernandez will be given the recently acquired belt by WBO ratings chairman Luis Perez at the Boxeo TELEMUNDO Ford show at El Plaza Condesa, which is headlined by David “Severo” Carmona who faces Ricardo Rodriguez for the WBO World Youth super flyweight title.

http://www.boxingscene.com/tomoki-kameda-alejandro-hernandez-eyes-purse-bid–80295

tomoki-kameda (12)

By Rene Perez –

Japan’s Tomoki Kameda lifted his first world title on Thursday, when he won a unanimous decision over WBO bantamweight champion Paulus Ambunda of Namibia in the Philippines.

tomoki-kameda (2) tomoki-kameda (9)

It was the first world title for Kameda, the youngest of three professional boxing brothers. His oldest brother, Koki, is the WBA bantamweight champion, while his brother Daiki is a former WBA flyweight champ.

tomoki-kameda (11)

“Achieving my dream, my father’s dream makes me truly happy,” Tomoki said.

tomoki-kameda (7)

According to the Japan Boxing Commission, they are the first trio of brothers to have won world titles. The younger Kameda became Japan’s first champion recognized by the WBO, which the JBC joined this year.

tomoki-kameda (7) tomoki-kameda (8)

tomoki-kameda (10)tomoki-kameda (4)tomoki-kameda (5)tomoki-kameda (1)

tomoki-kameda (13)

tomoki-kameda (6)tomoki-kameda (3)

http://www.boxingscene.com/photos-tomoki-kameda-grabs-wbo-gold-cebu-city–68251

TomokiKameda-PaulusAmbunda-ConfedKP2

TomokiKameda-PaulusAmbunda-ConfedKP1

By Rene Perez –

Things got very tense at the final press conference. Tomoki “Mexicanito” Kameda (27-0, 18KOs) will go for his first world title on August 1st at the Cebu City Waterfront Hotel & Casino in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City. Kameda got a quick welcome to the big leagues, when WBO bantamweight champion Paulus Ambunda (20-0, 10KOs) grabbed his throat. Ambunda was calmed down by the President of the WBO. Tomoki, 22-years-old and the youngest of the fighting Kameda brothers, wants to make history by winning world title and completing the family goal of becoming the first trio of brothers to win major world titles. Older brother Koki and Daiki Kameda have captured world crowns.

TomokiKameda-ConfedPaulusAmbundaKP1

TomokiKameda-PaulusAmbunda-ConfedKP3

 

 http://www.boxingscene.com/photos-ambunda-grabs-kameda-by-throat-presser–68186

kameda.mexicanito

By:  Lemuel P. Maglinte –

CEBU, Philippines – Unbeaten Japanese world title challenger Tomoki ‘Mexicanito’ Kameda is raring to showcase his skills in front of Cebuano fans, even as he expessed confidence of seizing the WBO bantamweight crown from Namibian champion Paulos Ambunda when they slug it out in the  main event of ‘Battle of the Undefeated’  fightcard on August 1 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

Since Kameda is not the mandatory challenger, the Japan Boxing Commission won’t let him fight for the belt in his own country.

Still, the Japanese boxer feels that he has hometown advantage fighting on Philippine soil.

“I will do my best so that Filipino fans will enjoy this fight. I want to showcase my skills in front of them and I can say that I have a very big chance of beating him (Ambunda) to get that belt,” said Tomoki, the youngest of the three fighting Kameda brothers of Japan.“I would love to make my own name here in the Philippines just like I did when I was fighting in Mexico where I get my ring name Mexicanito.”

Tomoki,  who also holds the WBC Silver bantamweight belt, vows to follow in the steps of his elder brothers Koki, the reigning WBA bantamweight champion, and Daiki, the former WBA flyweight titlist.

“This is something unique because this is the first time that a world title fight featuring foreign boxers will happen here in Cebu and we Cebuanos should be proud,” said Cebuano promoter Rex “Wakee” Salud.

http://www.philstar.com/cebu-sports/2013/06/21/956501/kameda-vows-make-impression-cebu-fans

Date: March 2, 2013

WBO Bantamweight Championship Title Bout

Location: Windhoek, Namibia

Promoter: Nestor Tobias Sunshine  Boxing

Referee:  Paul Thomas

Judges:  Fernando Laguna (115-113), Manuel Oliver Palomo (116-112), Manfred Kuechler (116-112)

Supervisor:  John Duggan, Esq.

Result:  Won a 12-round unanimous decision over WBO Champion Pungluang Sor Singyu at the Windhoek Country Club Resort, Windhoek, Namibia.

Pungluang Sor Singyu will make the first defense of his WBO Bantamweight belt on March 2nd against the unbeaten Paulus Ambunda in Namibia.

The Thai fighter won the title by stopping AJ Banal in Manila earlier this year and will be putting a 43-1 record on the line when he takes on Ambunda who is 19-0 but has never fought outside of Namibia.

Despite having over twice as many fights Pungluang is eight years younger than the Namibian who is the WBO International Bantamweight champion and the WBO Africa Bantamweight Champion.

The fight is set to take place at Windhoek in Namibia.

By: James Goyder

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=60939#ixzz2GcuuIACU

WBO super bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire says his left hand, which was cut during the October fight with Toshiaki Nishioka and needed eight stitches, has healed and he’s ready to face former multi-titled champion Jorge “Travieso” Arce at the Toyota Center in Houston. Texas on December 15th.

When asked about his injured hand Donaire told BoxingScene.com/Manila Standard “my hand is definitely good and I’m ready for this fight.”

Donaire said there was no problem when he punched opponents during his sparring at the Undisputed Gym in San Carlos, California.

He said “there’s no problem at all with the weight” and should have no problems making the 122 pound limit.

Donaire recognizes the fact that Arce “is a tough guy but like every other fight if there is an opening I could see, I will take that opportunity and then we’ll see how tough he is.”

The 30 year old Filipino who is ranked No. 5 in the Ring Magazine pound for pound listing told us he is mentally and physically prepared for  the fight.

Donaire said “I am very ready to go.”

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

http://www.boxingscene.com/donaires-hand-healed-ready-arce-fight–60003

Date: October 20, 2012

WBO Bantamweight Championship Title Bout

Location: Manila, Philipines

Promoter: ALA Promotions

Supervisor: Leon Panoncillo

Referee: Tony Weeks

Judges:  Robert Hoyle (74-77), Raul Caiz Jr (76-75), Levi Martinez (76-75)

Result: Sorsingyu won by Split decision. Banal deducted a point in Round 6 for repeated low blows and was down once in Round 9.

Pungluang Sor Singyu (42-1, 27 KO’s), Thailand’s No. 2 world ranked bantamweight is training with the Army in the ChoNburi province in preparation for his battle for the vacant WBO bantamweight title with No.1 ranked AJ “Bazooka” Banal (28-1-1, 20 KO’s) on October 20.

The title fight will be held at the Mall of Asia Arena along Roxas Boulevard and will be telecast by the giant broadcast network ABS-CBN over Channel 2.

Siraphop Ratanasuban, vice president of the  of the huge  OneSongchai Promotions outfit in Thailand told the Manila Standard that Pungluang “is now training very hard” in an army facility in Chonburi province and is being trained by a former Pan Asia Boxing Association champion whose name he did not mention.

He said Pungluang is sparring with several Thai boxing champions.

Ratanasuban described Pungluang as “a  fighter with a big heart and very disciplined.”

Banal has also been training rigorously for his second chance at a world title having lost by a stunning 10th round knockout to Rafael “El Torito” Concepcion in a bout for the WBA super flyweight Interim title in Cebu on July 26,  2008 while leading on the scorecards of all three judges at the time of the stoppage.

Banal has won eleven fights in a row since the loss to Concepcion. He is coming off a comfortable eighth round unanimous decision over Ruben Manakane in a tune-up fight last July 21 in Dumaguete City.

Pungluang is coming off his own tune-up fight last July 26 in Thailand when he defended his WBO Oriental title with a 5th round TKO over Filipino Ricado Roa.

Ronnie Nathanielsz

http://www.boxingscene.com/pungluang-sor-singyu-training-war-with-aj-banal–57241

Fighters AJ ‘Bazooka’ Banal, left, and Pungluang Sor Singyu of Thailand share light moments with Amy Pamintuan, STAR editor-in-chief, during their visit to The STAR office to promote their Oct. 20 WBO bantamweight title fight at the MOA.   JOEY MENDOZA

MANILA, Philippines – Animosity was evident as A. J. Banal and Pungluang Sor Singyu predicted they would leave nothing to chance and win convincingly by knockout in their 12-round battle for the vacant WBO bantamweight crown at the MOA Arena on Oct. 20.

The fighters trooped to The STAR office the other day and paid a courtesy call on editor-in-chief Amy Pamintuan. While appearing civil towards each other, the protagonists spewed venom in separate interviews.

Banal, 23, touched off the fireworks when he predicted a knockout win in the sixth or seventh round. When informed of Banal’s forecast, Pungluang laughed it off and said the Filipino will fall in four. Banal then said he’ll dispose of the Thai instead in three. It didn’t look like they were joking.

Pungluang’s manager Michel Do said the Thai has so far beaten 15 Filipinos in 16 fights with Elmar Franciso losing twice. “Banal will be the next victim,” said Do. “We’re not afraid of losing by hometown decision because we’ll make sure it doesn’t go the distance.” Pungluang’s last five opponents were all Filipinos.

Do said Pungluang’s Muay Thai background is an advantage. “He had about 20 Muay Thai fights and that experience made him tough,” said Do. “He’s not scared of anyone, certainly not Banal.”

Pungluang, 24, said Banal is no better than the slew of Filipinos he has dispatched. “Banal doesn’t hit hard,” he said. “I’ll admit he’s faster than any of the Filipinos I’ve fought before but that doesn’t mean I won’t be able to knock him out. My trainer (Taweewat Islam) is from the military and was Manus Boonjumnong’s coach when he won the Olympic gold medal in the lightwelterweight division in 2004. He is an expert in training amateur fighters and I will be his first professional world champion.”

Pungluang said it doesn’t bother him that Banal is rated No. 1 and he is No. 2. “Ratings don’t mean a thing to me,” he said. “You can be No. 5 or No. 6 and still become a world champion. I fought only once away from Thailand and I lost a split decision (Stephane Jamaye) in Belgium in 2009. I was robbed of the decision but now, I know better. Fighting in Manila won’t be a problem. The weather is the same in Bangkok and the time difference is only an hour. I’ll be back five or six days before the fight and I’ll be ready for Banal.”

Pungluang and Do flew in from Bangkok last Saturday. They appeared in press conferences in Cebu and Manila and will do the rounds of TV shows before returning home this weekend.

Banal said he has sparred over 40 rounds so far with hardened veteran Michael Domingo and former Oriental superbantamweight champion Roli Gasca. “I’ll be the first Filipino to beat him,” said Banal. “When I hit him, he’ll go down. I’m prepared to do whatever it takes to win. If he counters, I’ll counter back. I prefer to move in, push him to the ropes and corners. I’ve fought some of the world’s best. Whom has he fought? Fighting at the MOA Arena is fine because there’s more pressure for me to win in Cebu. I’ll go early the day of the fight, get a feel of the ring and adjust my eyes to the lights.”

Banal said he has studied Pungluang’s style in videos. “I watched his fights against Eden (Sonsona), (Danilo) Peña and Marvin (Tampus),” he said. “He’s flat-footed. He likes to throw a left jab followed by a right straight. He has a good left hook and uppercut. Sometimes, he moves in, sometimes, he just counters. I prefer moving in than countering. I’ll pace myself. I used to run out of gas in the late rounds. This time, I worked hard in the gym to build my stamina. If there’s an opening in the first round, I’ll go for a quick knockout. If not, I’ll be patient. I’ll work the body until he’s ready to go.”

Banal has won 11 in a row since losing to Panama’s Rafael Concepcion by a late stoppage in a bid for the interim WBA superflyweight crown in Cebu in 2008. It’s the only blemish in his record of 28-1-1, with 20 KOs, compared to Pungluang’s mark of 42-1, with 27 KOs.

By: Joaquin Henson

http://www.philstar.com/thedeanscorner/articlescontent.aspx?articleid=843329&publicationsubcategoryid=69

AJ “Bazooka” Banal (28-1-1, 20 KO’s)  is in top condition for his determined bid to win the vacant WBO bantamweight title in a clash with Thailand’s No.2 ranked Pungluang Sor Singyu (42-1, 27 KO’s) at the Mall of Asia Arena on Roxas Boulevard on October 20.

ALA Gym’s head trainer and former world title challenger Edito “Ala” Villamor told BoxingScene.com/Manila Standard that aside from being “in good condition, Banal has looked good in sparring” against such tough fighters as former world rated WBO Oriental champion  Michael Domingo who scored a 1st round knockout of Marvin Tampus last March 3.

Tampus is the same fighter from whom Pungluang Sor Singyu won the WBO Oriental title with a 6th round TKO last August 17, 2011.

Banal has also been sparring with former OPBF super bantamweight champion Roli Gasca and lightweight Joseph Von Minoza.

Villamor said Banal who will be guest at the PSA Forum on Tuesday along with Pungluang Sor Singyu will begin sparring with undefeated super bantamweight Mark Bernaldez (6-0, 4 KO’s) “for speed.”

The trainer also said that strength and conditioning coach Pio Solon was “concentrating on Banal’s power and balance” as he continues his relentless training grind for his second attempt at a world title.

The title clash was made possible after Mexican warrior Jorge Arce relinquished the title to move up  to super bantamweight.

Banal has won 11 consecutive fights after his stunning 10th round KO loss to Panama’s Rafael Concepcion when he suddenly faded while leading comfortably on the scorecards of all three judges on July n26, 2008.

The reigning WBO Oriental champion Sor Singyu has a reputation for being a conqueror of Filipinos having beaten 14 of them in his career.

By: Ronnie Nathanielsz

http://www.boxingscene.com/aj-banal-top-condition-sparring-going-well–56435

AJ Banal’s long wait for a second crack at a world title is finally over.

After months of tedious negotiations, ALA Promotions finally sealed a match that Banal has long been itching for as the hard-hitting Cebuano boxer takes on Thailand’s Pungluang Sor Singyu for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight title on Oct. 20 at the posh Mall of Asia Arena.

The highly-anticipated match dubbed as “Philippines vs. The World” will serve as the 17th installment of the highly successful Pinoy Pride series.

“The negotiation started in February. It was a back and forth negotiation. It took us so much effort and investment to pull this one off. It is quite an investment to bring this fight here,” said ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer in a press conference yesterday at the City Sports Club-Cebu Gym.

BAUTISTA IN THE UNDERCARD

Bringing the fight in the country wasn’t easy since the OneSongchai Promotions, the biggest boxing promotional outfit in Thailand, was also capable of hosting the fight, said Aldeguer.

The deal was only sealed last Tuesday night.

“We are still working on the undercard. We are looking at putting Boom-Boom Bautista in the undercard,” said Aldeguer.

Today marks the fourth year anniversary of Banal’s heart-rending loss to Panama’s Rafael Concepcion on July 26, 2008 where the latter stopped him with a 10th round knockout at the Cebu Coliseum.

That loss, his only defeat, showed that it will take more than a homecourt advantage for Banal o win a world title.

MORE MATUREThe 23-year-old Banal has 28 wins spiked by 20 knockouts, one loss and one draw.

“I am more mature now. That time, all I think was to knockout my opponent. I was over aggressive,” said Banal referring to his previous fight against Concepcion.

Against Singyu, Banal said he has to pace himself and prepare for a long haul.

“Stamina was my problem against Concepcion. I have been working to improve my stamina and pacing myself will be very important. I have been waiting for this and I will do my best to win the world title,” said Banal, who has strung up 11 straight wins since that loss to Concepcion.

Banal said playing in front of his countrymen also has its disadvantage.

“Sometimes I get overwhelmed with the crowd. So this upcoming fight, perhaps I’ll stay in the bleacher before my fight to feel the environment and get used to it,” said Banal, the reigning WBO Asia-Pacific bantamweight champion.

“We have watched two tapes of Singyu’s previous fights. He seemed vulnerable to body shots but we will further study his style. We are looking for a tape where he fought a southpaw,” said Banal’s trainer Edmund Villamor.

The southpaw Banal, who recently made it to the top 10 of Ring Magazine’s ranking in the bantamweight division, is the WBO world No. 1 bantamweight contender while Singyu is rated No. 2, making the upcoming fight a surefire hit.

The 24-year-old Singyu (42W-27KOs-1L) has beaten 14 Filipino boxers.

The orthodox Thai fighter has won his last 19 fights and hasn’t tasted defeat since losing to Stephane Jamoye via split decision in May 9, 2009.

Cebu Daily News

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/236989/banals-second-crack-at-world-title-set-in-manila

NEW YORK (AP) — Nonito Donaire retained the WBO and WBC bantamweight titles, unanimously outpointing Omar Narvaez on Saturday night at the Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Donaire improved to 27-1, extending his nine-year winning streak to 26 fights, with winning scores of 120-108 from the judges. After Donaire knocked out nine of his last 10 opponents, the fight had most of the 4,425 fans booing the lack of action.

“I was bored,” Donaire said. “When I know that the guy wouldn’t open up, I kind of got bored because no matter what I opened my hands, I opened my face and the least you can do is hit me with a jab, hit me with something.”

Narvaez (35-1-2) lost for the first time in his 11-year professional career.

“He never hurt me,” Narvaez said. “I didn’t feel any of the punches. I didn’t think he was such a big deal.

Donaire won the title with an overwhelming second-round knockout of Fernando Montiel eight months ago, but this one was nowhere as easy as that left hook for the 28-year-old making his first New York appearance.

After judges awarded Donaire the first three rounds, he began to get into a groove in the fourth. Late in the round, Donaire began landing more punches and he had Narvaez against the ropes with a strong combination but that did lead to victory.

Narvaez was able to stay with him by using a defensive strategy most of the fight. He frequently kept his hands clenched near his head to avoid many strong punches and appeared content to let the bout go the distance. Narvaez also showed a reluctance to go on the offensive as he averaged 24 punches thrown per round, 36 fewer than the average.

“I expected him to wear me down, but that wasn’t the case,” Donaire said. “The moment that I hit him hard, he just didn’t want to take his chances.”

Narvaez’s technical approach had some in the crowd booing at times but they cheered wildly when Donaire began landing some uppercuts late in the 10th. The booing returned in the 11th as Donaire rarely landed any punches until the final seconds of the round.

In the 12th round, Donaire landed a strong combination but could not finish. Narvaez briefly had him against the ropes but Donaire escaped though in the final seconds he flailed against the ropes.

Earlier, Miguel Garcia (27-0, 23 KOs) remained unbeaten and successfully retained his NABF featherweight title with a fourth-round knockout of challenger Juan Carlos Martinez (17-13-1). Garcia won after knocking Martinez out three times before the fight was stopped with 14 seconds remaining in the fourth round.

 

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ghSi2_PvE2e0s7Jsv_OfuQ1N_vdA?docId=07f8c0982b7c4a808040057df992cfc7

Filipino boxer AJ “Bazooka” Banal won a bloody scrap, retaining his World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia-Pacific bantamweight title, with an eight-round technical decision over Canadian Tyson Cove in Cebu, Philippines.

It was a successful defense but complicated for Banal, who bled profusely from a dangerous cut on his right eyebrow after an unintentional clash of heads. Undoubtedly Banal landed the best punches of the fight, especially with combinations initiated by his right jabs, which were followed up by left hooks and right uppercuts.

Cove (15-2, 5KO’s) used a lot of dirty tricks and questionable tactics during the fight, but never lost any points. In the eighth round, the referee stopped the fight, based on the recommendation of the attending physician Dr. Jose Unabia, because Banal’s cut was too severe. The fight went to the scorecards. The scores were 73-79, 74-78, and 74-78 – all in favor Banal.

Banal, 22 years old and ranked by the four major governing bodies, raises his record to 25 wins, 1 loss, and 17 wins by knockout.

After the win, Banal expressed his desire to avenge the only loss of his career. Banal publicly challenged Panamanian Rafael “El Torito” Concepcion. In July of 2008, Concepcion defeated Banal in Cebu in a ​dramatic battle.

“I’m glad I held on to my WBO Asia Pacific title, and now I want to challenge Torito Concepcion,” said Banal to BoxingScene.com/NotiFight.com. “I hope he (Concepcion) gives me a rematch. Now I’m craving to be a better fighter and I want that fight to clear my record. My agent (Don Antonio L. Aldeguer) supports me and agrees.”

Negotiations for the Banal vs Concepcion II are already in progress.

The supervisor of the fight was WBO Vice-President Mr. Leon Panoncillo of Hawaii. The event was organized by ALA Boxing Promotions and televised in the Philippines by ABC CBN Sports.

By: Carlos Costa
http://www.boxingscene.com/aj-banal-targets-rafael-concepcion-cove-win–42142