By Ronnie Nathanielsz

Thailand’s tough Pungluang Sor Singyu is eyeing no less than a knockout against AJ “Bazooka” Banal when they clash for the vacant WBO bantamweight title at the spanking, new Mall of Asia Arena along Roxas Boulevard on October 20.

The fight which will be telecast by the giant broadcast network ABS-CBN over Channel 2 on the following morning will come one week  after the network airs the much-awaited showdown between WBO/IBF champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire and Japan’s classy southpaw and WBC champion emeritus Toshiaki Nishioka for the coveted Diamond Belt at the Home Depot in Carson City, California.

Siraphop Ratanasuban, vice president of  OneSingchai Co. Ltd whose OneSongchai Promotions is the number one promotional outfit that handles Boxing and Muay Thai in Thailand and also promotes Pungluang, told BoxingScene.com/Manila Standard that the No.2 ranked Thai who has an impressive record of 26 knockouts in 41 wins with only one loss will  “go for a knockout against Banal in AJ’s hometown. ”

Siraphop disclosed that Pungluang has actually been training in the Navy base in Sattaheep, on the Gulf coastline of Eastern Thailand in Chonburi province where he has so far sparred a total of 70 rounds against national team members of Thailand.

Siraphop who is a member of all the major world boxing organizations said Pungluang’s training has gone “very well.”

Although Pungluang will be looking for a knockout he said the basic fight plan is “to be careful and always be on guard.”

The top Thai boxing official said Pungluang is “a fighter with a big heart and very disciplined.”

He is scheduled to arrive in Manila with trainers Phanlop Srithraiwan, Mueankhit Saensuk and Amirut Chuebang and OneSongchai representative Michael Du on October 16.

ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer told us that Banal and his team will arrive in Manila this Wednesday for a series of public workouts at the SM malls.

Aldeguer said he has watched Banal sparring and “he’s been very impressive.” Aldeguer also likes the fact that Banal “is more mature and relaxed and understands what is before him and what he needs to do.”