Two veteran Pinoy boxers try to put their names back in the local radar when they take on separate opponents on May 13.

Former world super-flyweight champion Marvin Sonsona will be fighting for the first time after going on a 3-year hiatus.

AJ Banal is also on the comeback trail.

Sonsona, with 20 wins in 22 bouts, will take on Arief Blader of Indonesia in a non-title junior-welterweight fight, while Banal, winner of 35 of 38 bouts, fights Indonesia’s Master Suro in the lightweight division.

“Masaya at makakabalik na ’ko. Nagpapasalamat ako sa oportunidad na binigay sa ’kin ni coach Joven (Jimenez),” said Sonsona, who has been hampered by promotional and personal issues before stepping out of the limelight 3 years ago.

“Nagkaproblema kasi ako sa promoter, tapos nanganak ng premature ang misis ko kaya doon ko muna itinuon ang pansin ko.”

He has recently hooked up with Survival Camp, home of world junior bantamweight champion Jerwin Ancajas in Magallanes town, Cavite.

“Maganda rito kasi focused ka talaga sa training. Pagdating ng gabi wala kang ibang gagawin kundi matulog. Di tulad sa dating gym ko maraming tao, mapapagala ka,” said Sonsona.

Banal, known for his knockout finishes, will be taking a new approach in his return; this time, he said he will be more patient when fighting a veteran like Master.

“Pacing muna ako ngayon,” Banal said. “Di kami magmamadali sa laban.”

The two will fight in the bouts supporting Barriga’s minimumweight title eliminator against Gabriel Mendoza.

Banal said he has no issues about fronting a relatively new pro such as Barriga, adding that he knows he has to impress again to be rewarded bigger fights.

“Back to start tayo,” Banal said. “Kahit saan ako, walang problema. Simula ito para makaakyat ako ulit.”

Sonsona shared the same sentiment.

“Pagkakataon ’to para umakyat ulit sa world ratings. Start ulit sa simula, panibagong challenge sa kin.”

(For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.)