Pinoy Pride: Mexican battles Banal

OOZING with confidence, Mexican slugger Abraham “Cholo” Gomez hopes to end Filipino boxer AJ “Bazooka” Banal’s dream when they clash in Pinoy Pride XXI on Saturday at the Grand Ballroom of Solaire Resort and Casino.

Their 10-round, 124-pound clash serves as one of the thrilling undercards in the title defense of WBO world minimum weight champion Merlito “Tiger” Sabillo against challenger Jorle Estrada of Colombia.

“I’m aware of his (Banal) reputation. He’s prepared and I expect the fight to go the full distance,” said Gomez through an interpreter during yesterday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s Ermita.

Banal, a former world bantamweight title challenger, is out to prove he still packs the punch following a ninth round knockout defeat against Thailand’s Pungluang Sor Singyu for the WBO bantamweight crown last October.

Gomez is also carrying a heavy baggage after losing by knockout twice last year—opposite Miguel Angel Mendoza (8th round) in the WBC Fecambox super featherweight title bout on Oct. 27 and Roberto Ortiz (fifth round) in June.

“It’s not the same fighting at home, but I welcome the experience to fight in a hostile territory,” said Gomez, who has 19 wins, seven losses and two draws, including 11 knockouts.

Banal is currently No. 13 in the WBO bantamweight rankings and owns a record of 28-2-1 with 20 KOs.