WBO bantamweight champion Gerry Pe?alosa hopes to duplicate the recent win of Manny Pacquiao over Juan Manuel Marquez when he faces his old nemesis Ratanachai Sor Vorapin of Thailand at his title defense on April 6.
Pe?alosa said Pacquiao?s win has motivated him to train harder for his upcoming bout at the “Invasion” Philippines vs. the World which was slated at the Araneta Coliseum.
“Inspirasyon siya sa lahat ng boxer,” said Pe?alosa.
The WBO champ has toiled at the gym for the past three months, hoping to duplicate his earlier win against Vorapin, whom he considered a “dangerous foe.”
But with Pacquiao on his side, Pe?alosa?s resolve to win has strengthened further.
“Makita ko lang s?ya malaking karangalan na sa akin,” he said.
Pacquiao scored a split decision win over Marquez last March 15, wresting the WBC super featherweight title.
Pacquiao, for his part, gave support to the WBO defending champion.
“Bilib din ako sa ?yo? galingan mo, talunin mo iyan agad,” he told Pe?alosa. “kaya niya iyan…naka focus siya nakita ko…good luck.”
Pacquiao and Pe?alosa both trained at the Wild Card Gym in California , US.
Elorde Hall of Famers
The two received honors at the Elorde Hall of Fame awards upon returning to Manila last week. Pacquiao received the Hall of Fame award aside from being named as one of the Boxers of the Year together with Pe?alosa.
Pe?alosa vowed to make his countrymen proud just like Pacquiao did.
“Excited talaga ako na lumaban sa harap ng mga Pilipino….. Sana po manood kayong lahat,” he said.
Aside from Pe?alosa, the “Invasion” card will also feature Filipino boxers Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista, AJ “Bazooka” Banal and Ciso Morales.
Bautista will face Genaro Camargo of Mexico while Banal will go against undefeated Caril Herrera. Morales will tangle with Korean Yoo Shin Kim while Domingo with battle with Thai boxer Chipattana (walang first name sa script).
“Invasion” Philippines vs. the World will be aired live on April 6 on ABS-CBN.
