AJ 'Bazooka' Banal retained his WBO Asia-Pacific Bantamweight title when he defeted Canadian boxer Tyson Cave via an 8th round technical decision in Pinoy Pride 7: Battle at Mactan last Sunday.
Banal was able to win despite having trouble with Cave's unorthodox style and antics.
The official time was 2:32 of the 8th round. All the judges gave the bout to Banal, with scores of 79-73, 78-74, and 78-74.
Banal aimed to hurt Cave through body punches, but the wily Canadian kept moving out of Banal's way. In the 1st round, Banal was able to unleash a left straight that staggered Cave backwards, but the latter recovered and even danced a little.
From the 2nd until the 4th rounds, Cave looked to frustrate Banal even more as he kept dancing away. Banal was unable to execute his game plan as Cave moved rapidly around the ring.
In the 3rd round, Banal was able to catch Cave on the ropes and unleashed a flurry of punches, but the Canadian clinched before real damage can be done.
Early in the 5th round, an accidental headbutt caused a cut above Banal's right eye. Despite blood pouring profusely out of the wound, Banal continued the bout and was able to tag Cave with a good shot late in the round. Unfortunately, Cave was not looking to engage Banal and continued his herky-jerky movements around the ring.
The 6th and 7th rounds saw Cave doing more wrestling than boxing, as he continuously pushed Banal to the canvas. Banal was clearly frustrated with the way the fight was progressing, as the Cebu native was unable to connect with his punches. Moreover, Banal was troubled by the blood pouring over his eye, which affected his vision.
The ring physician finally advised the referee to stop the fight in the 8th round.
- ABS-CBN Sports
