ROCK legend Rod Stewart placed it so succinctly when he said some guys have all the luck. He couldn?t have been referring to AJ Bazooka Banal of course, as AJ was probably still a vitamin in his father?s family jewels when that hit song came out.
But that song would probably best sum up AJ?s most-enviable position right now as he is already scheduled to fight for the WBA super flyweight belt on July 19 at the tender age of 19.
Even in this day of numerous alphabet groups that some say have watered down the value and prestige of being called a world champion, a title fight is never a certainty for any good, capable contender.
There are even some who spend their entire careers chasing that elusive stab at glory. They wait in the wings, take on keep-busy fights, but sometimes that opportunity never materializes.
Fortunately for some, lady luck smiles upon them, but oh, at what price? Take the case of AJ?s stablemate Rey ?Boom-Boom? Bautista. He dutifully worked his way up the rankings only to find out that before he could claim fistic glory, he had to go through an ogre of a brawler named Daniel Ponce de Leon.
Or even Z Gorres, who?as skilled as he was?just couldn?t get past accomplished world champions Fernando Montiel and Vic Darchinyan.
AJ Banal? A confluence of circumstances just made it possible for this golden opportunity to arise. Somehow Alexander Munoz had to vacate the belt after lusting for Christian Mijares? WBC version.
Somehow he loses via decision. WBA?s infinite wisdom of naming super champions is then applied and the ?regular? WBA belt becomes available to be contested. Somehow some of the others are either not picked or decline the opportunity and..voila! AJ is on the cusp of being our next world champion.
And not only that. Standing in his way is ?only? Rafael Concepcion with a record of 10-2 with 6 KOs. Ever heard of him? Naah, me neither.
IS HE READY? That?s the question on everybody?s minds and so let?s examine some facts.
AJ is 16-0 with 12 KOs. His opponents have a combined record 190-71. He has fought abroad twice. His career has been guided quite expertly with his roster of opponents graded in ascending order.
But the cold hard facts do not do justice to the way this kid fights. This Last Rounder was at ringside during his last bout where he mercilessly chopped down his muscle-bound undefeated Venezuelan opponent inside four rounds.
He?s light on his feet, but packs heavy artillery in both hands. He is fearless inside the ring and is quite a good finisher for a pug at so tender an age.
He has Manny Pacquiao?s hand speed, Gerry Penalosa?s iron jaw and brandishes a Nonito Donaire-ish left hook. Finally, he likes to punctuate his combinations with a snarl.
Is he ready? Do birds fly? Is beer not the nectar of the Gods?
He sure is one lucky kid, but chance always favors the prepared ones. And AJ is as ready as he can be.
IDOL. The boxing theme for American Idol?s introduction for the two Davids was quite interesting. If they were fighters, David Archulueta would have to be the classic stand-up boxer with his smooth, clear crooning voice while David Cook would be the counter-puncher/banger with his edgy, gruff and rangy tenor.
In the end, the fans proved that they knew more about singing than Simon Cowell. Let?s hope he doesn?t start judging boxing matches anytime soon.
JAB OF THE DAY: ?Pangitaon nako iyang ngipon? (I will look for his teeth)?Z Gorres, answering a query on Y101?s Rock Bottom Radio if he would dare to fight Kenyan Nick Otieno in the case of a brownout at the venue.
LAST ROUND. It?s on my beautiful niece who is stingy with her kisses to me, but generous with her adoring smiles, Yanna Isabelli Chanco-Quijano who turned three this week. Cheers!
