Celebrated trainer Freddie Roach was mobbed by fight fans at the Sports Center in the Star Mall at the Metropolis in Alabang where he worked the corner of WBO bantamweight champion Gerry Penalosa who engaged NABF super bantamweight champion Bernabe Concepcion in a terrific four round exhibition.
The jam-packed venue erupted in cheers as Penalosa and Roach were introduced and Penalosa gave them something to really cheer about with a superb display of his vaunted skills against the young and talented 19 year old Concepcion, a fighter from the Aljoe Jaro stable.
Penalosa was sharp and connected with some vicious body shots and combinations that showed why he is, even as 35 years of age, a world champion. Concepcion who won the North American Boxing Federation title with a smashing fourth round TKO over the highly touted Gabriel Elizondo also caught Penalosa with some solid shots prompting Roach to comment that it was no exhibition.
Thousands gathered around Roach during an autograph session after the fights getting the two-time ?Trainer of the Year? to sign t-shirts, shirts that fans were wearing, tickets, posters and anything they could lay their hands on. But the commendable thing was it was done in a very orderly fashion and the event security people at the venue deserve credit for the professional manner in which they handled the crowd.
Roach posed for pictures, shook hands and signed until his hand hurt but was clearly delighted at the experience because, as he said, he doesn?t get this kind of attention in America.
Freddie Roach (with glasses) poses with fans at the RWS gym in Cebu City.
With a modern rhythm and blues band as a backdrop, Roach spoke to Viva Sports which covered the event for its top-rated weekly boxing show ?The Main Event? sponsored by Tanduay, the No.1 Rhum, Pagcor and PCSO.
He said ?it was a great experience and it just shows the soft heart they have for Gerry Penalosa, a great fighter and a great guy. I love Gerry Penalosa so when he asked me to come down it was no problem. After this I really have trouble going home. I miss this place, They treat me so well. I thank you.?
Roach said it was a great turnout and he was ?not one of those guys who run away from people. I like people. I talk to them, take pictures with them and I?ll sign autographs all night long if I have to. You know some people just want to hide from the fans but I think its okay.?
He said this was the same attitude of Muhammad Ali. ?If someone was peeking at his house, he?d invite them inside. He had no problem with that. Not like Michael Jordan ? he didn?t want to be seen anywhere. Its easier this way for me. I love the fans and whatever I can do for them I?ll do.?
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