Amazingly Me

AJ "Bazooka" Banal bowed down to Rafael "EL Torito" Concepcion in the 10th round of the scheduled 12 round interim World Boxing Association super-flyweight crown match. The fight took place at the Cebu Coliseum, Saturday night. Banal, a 19 year old Bohol native, from the ALA gym in Cebu and is said to be the next Manny Paquiao, it was told that his fight against Concepcion was his time to shine and show the rest of the world what kind of skills and talent he has. "El Torito" Concepcion is 26 years old from Panama. A new father of baby girl and is dedicating the fight to his baby and wife. And he was able to deliver..

Banal was the only Filipino casualty that night. The other Filipino boxers prevailed against their respective opponents. Banal was doing very well for the first 6-8 rounds. Concepcion received flurry of punches from Aj. But "El Torito" was consistent in giving the Filipino figther kidney blows which might be the reason for Aj's deterioration in the later rounds. The 10th round came Aj received a decking right from Concepcion which marked the end of the bout with only 2:35 in the round.When he fell he stood up after the count of three, his corner was egging him to take his time and rest and that was what I also thought he was doing. It was only when I saw him shaking his head that I realize he was already giving up the fight. He might have been hurt very bad.

I was stunned and so was the crowd watching the fight live. I can tell by the expression on his face how disappointed he was with his performance.

The fight was stopped for a couple of times because of loose tapes from both fighters gloves. There was even an incident where Aj received a low blow but the referee did not see it. Banal was even deducted one point when continued punching Concepcion after the bell rung. Based on the judges score cards Banal was still ahead on points. If only he did not give up the fight on the 10th the possibility of him winning the bout is still very big.