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Philippines, 13 Jan 2026 |
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WORDS OF ADVICE FROM “FEARLESS” PENALOSA TO "MARVELOUS" SONSONA By Oliver A. Gabito, DDM PhilBoxing.com Thu, 13 Aug 2009  Manila, Philippines - Yesterday, “Marvelous” Marvin Sonsona and his team went to Gerry Pe?alosa’s gym in Mandaluyong City to train and seek advice from former WBC, WBO world champion Gerry Pe?alosa. Fortunately, the veteran boxer was there to give some important advice to the General Santos City kid on what to expect with on his much anticipated world title fight against Puerto Rico’s Carita Lopez this coming September 4, at Casino Rama, Ontario, Canada. During their intense practice, Pe?alosa was quietly watching the sparring and the mitts of Sonsona with trainers Jun Agrabio and Nonito Donaire Sr. Penalosa was amazed and very much impressed of the speed and ability of Marvin Sonsona during their training. After their training, the former WBC Super Flyweight and former WBO Bantamweight Champion invited the team to discuss Sonsona’s fight and was able to give some important advice to “Marvelous” Marvin Sonsona. Pe?alosa explained, "based on what he sees, and on his own experience among prize fighters, Marvin would need to work on his strength and stamina for this fight, always expect to go the distance and never always count on a knockout, the knockout will present itself. Speed and power will be a major factor, with Carita Lopez, age might be a problem for him. Lopez's experience might be there but you have the youth on your side. When fighters aged, the mind usually wants to think that he can do it however, sometimes the body cannot follow what the mind says. This will be your big advantage." "You are dealing with a very experienced fighter that can dissect you and break you down later in the fight so you need to be ready for that... For you to get the upper hand and to eventually upset the champion you must prepare for a 12 round war," explained Penalosa. Pe?alosa also advised Marvin to always listen to instructions from his coaches that will lead your guidance to victory. "Always remember, your biggest downfall is when you think you are to good, be humble and always listen and learn. Never under estimate your opponent as he is a professional veteran with numerous fights and he surely could put you into misery without any doubt," Penalosa said. Penalosa also said that Marvin needs to double his will during training and focus on the strategies that his coaches are advising him to work on. “Sipagan mo lang sa ensayo, praktisin mo na tumagal at huwag ka mapagod hanggang round 12, at makinig ka sa mga Coach mo, huwag mo isipin na magaling ka na, bagkus ay mas mag concentrate ka pa sa paghahanda mo sa iyong darating na laban.” explained Pe?alosa, in his native language. In review, Gerry Pe?alosa has never been knocked down before in his entire career, excellent defensive boxer with skills and a good counter puncher that made him one of the best boxers to come around in his weight division from the Philippines. His last fight was with Puerto Rican, Juan Manuel Lopez for the WBO Jr. featherweight title. The fight ended with a gallant effort by Penalosa who only was stopped by his trainer Freddie Roach before the beginning of the 10th. It was surely a gallant effort from our pride of Philippines who showed why he is a true warrior with a big heart. I would like thank Penalosa for giving us the opportunity to train at his Gym, It was surely an honorable moment, not to mention, very beneficial for Marvin and Team Sonsona. Penalosa’s advice has surely given Sonsona high expectation and well advice from our former world champion in giving the team motivation to bring home the WBO Super Flyweight Belt against Carita Lopez this coming September 4th. In a positive note before we left the gym, Pe?alosa mentioned that he would want to be there for Sonsona at Canada to give support. Penalosa said that “God willing, I will try to be there to support you on this important match in Ontario, Canada. I am sure many Canadian Filipinos will be there hoping for the best for you." It was such valuable words from a humble boxer who has a colorful career and has prove himself worthy of a world champion. Meanwhile, it will would surely be nice to see Gerry Pe?alosa back and vying for another world championship, he surely is and continuous to be an inspiration to young boxers like Marvin “Marvelous” Sonsona, and for all the aspiring Filipino’s like my self who fell in love with the sport of boxing. Top photo: Marvin Sonsona (L) and Gerry Penalosa at Penalosa's gym in Mandaluyong City Wednesday. Photo courtesy of Dr. Rajan Yraola. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Oliver A. Gabito, DDM.  |
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