WITH THE controversial defeat of Z Gorres a fortnight ago in his bid to win a world title for the Philippines, many have been left disillusioned. It seemed outside of Manny Pacquiao we really don’t have much of a chance to snare that coveted world crown in boxing.
But as we have pointed out time and again in this space, Manny Pacquiao has not only reaped honors and recognition for the country, but has also opened the doors of opportunity for our many talented boxers. While it has not been a successful quest so far, we have been able to knock at doors time and again.
Promoters abroad have been looking at Filipino boxers who could approximate the kind of sporting entertainment that Pacquiao has brought to the fore.
Gerry Pe?alosa, who actually gained prominence ahead of Manny Pacquiao as a world-class boxer, having been a WBC super flyweight title holder, is one of those who is getting a chance to join the elite group of world champions.
His agreeing to fight for the Super Bantamweight championship against titleholder Daniel Ponce de Leon was met by cynicism by some quarters. The champion is almost 12 years younger and is known to be a powerful boxer whose reputation as a merciless slugger precedes him.
Pe?alosa, after a couple of heartbreaks in the ring, went into hibernation for more than a year and a half but has been unable to fend off the lure of the sweet science. He felt that he had to bring closure to a career that many thought should have been marked by more honors, but was side-tracked by bad breaks.
He has come back with a vengeance, winning all of his 5 assignments after that long break, the last an impressive 9th round TKO win over Mexican Mauricio Martinez last October in El Paso, Texas. Thence, this opportunity to fight for the title against a well-regarded champion in Daniel Ponce de Leon.
Gerry says at 35, he is running out of time and opportunities. He has had to go up two weight divisions for the fight, but he is unflustered. He has been keeping himself fit, and has trained assiduously for the encounter. He is undaunted by the apprehensions of well-meaning observers who say is being led to the lion’s den.
I tend to agree with Gerry. He has always been known to be a thinking fighter and I’m sure he thought this one out. His boxing skills are well-known and he feels his boxing orientation is the perfect foil for the power-punching De Leon. It is not going to be an easy fight for him, but this is one chance he cannot afford to pass up.
While it may be that those who have picked him for De Leon think that he would be an easy opponent, Gerry will surely see to it that they would have another think coming come fight time.
Filipino boxing fans are fidgety about this fight, but Gerry has shown a lot of confidence backed up by his untiring preparation and grim determination.
His fight will be under the much-awaited battle of Mexicans Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez, two fighters whom Filipino boxing fans are interested in because Manny Pacquiao is a common denominator. While we will all be watching out for the main event, I’m sure we’ll all be rooting once again for a boxer who has shown not only world-class boxing skills but also an admirable disposition outside the ring.
We urge everyone to bid him good luck and Mabuhay!
