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Gerry Pe?alosa confirmed WBO title conquest By Ron Galarpe PhilBoxing.com Tue, 17 Jan 2006 In an interview with this writer just recently, the comebacking Gerry Pe?alosa confirmed that there is indeed a move about his planned conquest of the WBO title this year. The former WBC super flyweight champion said that he is being handled now by Marc Roces of Jemah promotions, but disclosed that it is Cebu boxing patron Tony Aldeguer who is pushing for the planned title conquest for the WBO bantamweight belt, which is being eyed to happen sometime in May. Tony Aldeguer is pushing for Gerry’s drive for a WBO title via seeking the help of current WBO Asia Pacific co-chairman Leon Panocillo. However, the route for a WBO title belt would be longer than usual according to Gerry. The scenario is that Gerry is not officially listed in the elite rankings of the WBO but in fact is rated as number 10 super flyweight by the IBF. With the current situation of Gerry’s ranking, Aldeguer and Panocillo figured that it is necessary for Gerry to fight a top ranked WBO bantamweight contender so that in case of a win, he can barge into the top rankings of the WBO that could pave the way for a title fight versus current champion Jhonny Gonzales of Mexico. It could be that Panocillo believed that there is a chance for Gerry to fight any top ranked WBO contender, considering that Gerry is ranked number 8 in the inferior WBO Asia Pacific bantamweight where Panocillo has access. Incidentally, fellow Filipino Rey Bautista is the current titleholder of the WBO Asia Pacific belt. Here is the rest of my conversation with Gerry. RG – Since the plan is for a WBO title fight, does this mean you will be leaving now officially the super flyweight level? GP- I can comfortably fight as super flyweight or bantamweight, everything depends on the right opportunity and in this case, it is at the WBO bantamweight diadem where I have a good chance to shine again through the people who are willing to help me. RG – Do you think you have a better chance on Jhonny Gonzales than Rafa Marquez? GP – They are both beatable to me because both of them are come-forward type of fighters that are just suited to my type of attack. RG – Do you have any idea who will be this WBO top ranked fighter who they will pit with you as a tune up? GP- No names yet but I heard it will be another Mexican fighter. RG – In your recent bout, you seemed to have manhandled Dario Azuaga, were you satisfied with that match? GP – I was just lucky to have performed a good showing and yes, I was satisfied with the workout Azuaga gave to me. Gerry Pe?alosa was so humble and appreciative of my interview with him. His wish to his fellow Filipinos is that he hopes we would still support him through our prayers just as we did to Manny Pacquiao. Gerry confided that he would rather want to go right away against any champion in his division because he is not getting any younger, but he is also more than willing to be patient just to get another opportunity at the title. WBO bantamweight current ruler Jhonny Gonzales of Mexico conquered the belt last year from former Thai champion Ratanachai Sor Vorapin via 7th round TKO, Vorapin is the same fighter whom Gerry demolished in 6 rounds in year 2000 for the WBC International super flyweight title. Prior to losing to Gonzales, Vorapin ruled the WBO bantamweight level with nine straight victories with most matches held in his native Thailand. Jhonny Gonzales has a scheduled defense against Mark “Too Sharp” Johnson on February 25. The date could be just close to the fight Gerry is eyeing for his tune up fight against a WBO top ranked contender. With the people pushing for a title match for Gerry in May, a fight with any of the winner on the Gonzales-Johnson fight logically can happen. Gerry Pe?alosa wants nothing else but another pride for the Filipino people and to prepare his family for the future. Let us wish him the best on his comeback bid. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ron Galarpe. |
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