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Philippines, 14 May 2008 |
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PEÑALOSA REVEALS KEY TO UNLOCKING SUCCESS AGAIN By Emmanuel B. Villaruel PhilBoxing.com Tue, 21 Aug 2007  After failing three times to regain his WBC super flyweight throne, Gerry Peñalosa opted to hang up his gloves in January 2003. But that was only temporary as a year later, the "Fearless" warrior from San Carlos City, Negros Occidental came out of retirement, believing that there's still one big fight left in his career. Some quarters disapproved Peñalosa's decision, suggesting that at 32, he's already old to stage a successful ring comeback and become a world champion again. Perhaps they're eating their own words by now. Peñalosa proved he made the right decision. He silenced his critics when he dished out a one-punch knockout of Jhonny Gonzalez in the seventh round to snatch the WBO bantamweight title in the Philippines vs. Mexico Boxing World Cup last August 12 at the Arco Arena. "I felt vindicated. I can't really express my feelings that I become a world champion once again. It's a fulfillment of my dream because ever since I came out of retirement in 2004, I really have high confidence in me that I still have what it takes to become a world champion," said Peñalosa. At 35 years old, Peñalosa became the oldest Filipino to become a world boxing title-holder. He and his older brother Dodie Boy also made history as the first siblings in Asia to win two world titles in different weight division. Dodie Boy once ruled as the IBF light flyweight and flyweight titlist. Peñalosa's exceptional feat in the face of overwhelming odds odds is worthy of emulation and should serve as a fountain of inspiration to country's up and coming ring gladiators. When asked what his secret to success, Peñalosa answered "I take care of my body. I eat well, sleep early and practice hard. Self-discipline also plays a vital role to whatever success I attained at this point of my life and of course, prayers." Peñalosa, who is highly regarded as one of the world's best technical fighters, advised those who want to become a boxer to inculcate self discipline in them and dedication to the sport because if they don't have these qualities, they have no business to indulge in the brutal war of attrition. "To those who want to become a boxer, learn to discipline yourself. Boxing is a tough sport that entails selfless sacrifice and unbending determination. If you're not really that interested, you should better stay away from boxing," said Peñalosa. Right now, Peñalosa (52-6-2, 35KOs) said he has no other plans than to push for a rematch against WBO super bantamweight champion Daniel Ponce de Leon (32-1, 29KOs), who scored a stunning first-round knockout of Boholano boxing icon Rey "Boom Boom" Bautista that somehow spoiled the Philippines' World Cup victory over Mexico. During their first encounter, Peñalosa peppered De Leon with a variation of head and body shots but went on to lose by a highly questionable 12-round decision to the Mexican warrior last March 17 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. "I don't have any other thing in mind than to have a rematch with De Leon. I felt that I have so many mistakes during our first encounter and I want to correct it. I'm a bit scared when I first fought him, but after that, I gained a certain amount of confidence. I think I would be able to beat him in a rematch," said Peñalosa. But his solid management team, composed of Manny Pacquiao, Freddie Roach, and Rex "Wakee" Salud, wants Gerry to have one tune-up bout first before taking on Ponce de Leon. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Emmanuel B. Villaruel. Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles: |
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