The bout ended with a technical draw, with Banal suffering a big cut on his eyebrow due to an unintentional headbutt.

[3] After winning his next five fights, including his U.S. debut, Banal then had a chance to collect his first regional belt, facing Esau Gaona of Mexico.

[5] After the Soto bout, Banal had an opportunity to fight for the mandatory contender spot in an IBF super flyweight title eliminator.

Banal, not to disappoint, defeated the then undefeated fighter with a fourth-round TKO, earning a shot at the IBF super flyweight title.

Banal took a right hand to the temple region in Round 10 from Concepción, after being knocked down, he then took a knee throughout the referee's count, marking his first ever defeat in his professional career.

And finally, in the 4th round of the bout, Banal was able to land his dangerous left hook to the temple, followed up with his trademark aggression, eventually sending Santos to the canvas.

[11] Banal fought Japan's Big Yoo (16–2; 11 KO) on July 17, 2010, at the Carlos P. Garcia Stadium, Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

On October 21 Banal lost to Thailand's Pungluang Sor Singyu with the latter taking the vacant WBO bantamweight title, with a ninth-round TKO.