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DODIE BOY JR: NOT YOUR ORDINARY PROSPECT By Chito Yu Katangkatang PhilBoxing.com Fri, 12 Aug 2011 It has been the second time that I was at ringside to personally witness Dodie Boy Pe?alosa, Jr. dominate an opponent. The rest of his games were seen courtesy of youtube. The first time I saw him persevere in his bloody brawl against Jeffrey Jimenez wherein he suffered a headbutt-caused nasty cut, I told myself that this young man is special and has the makings of a world champion. Special enough to make him soar higher than his Father Dodie Boy and Uncle Gerry did during their legendary careers. Of course, it is too early to tell whether ?Dugong Kampeon? is the Real Deal or is another overhyped kid with a familiar name. Dodie Jr. has yet to prove that himself. Critics have voiced out that this kid is being fed with bums and patsy opponents. But to hell with those crabs. Rookie professional boxers are expected to be given tests one step at a time. Imagine Pacquiao after his fifth victory being matched with Barrera or Morales. Or Donaire facing Darchinyan in his sixth fight. The first thing that impressed me about Dodie Boy Pe?alosa, Jr. is his record as an amateur which boasts of a W27-L0 7KOs. Second is his cold blooded look when he is inside the ring. It is the kind of look that sends shivers down the spine of any opponent and the same aura that great champions like Miguel Cotto, Mike Tyson, Arturo Gatti and Jake La Motta had projected when they climb their way into the ring. Third is his speed and power. Dodie Jr. is not a south paw by birth. He is a converted southpaw like his great uncle Gerry, father Dodie Sr., and Nonito Donaire Jr. Thus, aside from the deadly left hand, the right hand cannot only stun you with jabs but can as well bid you goodnight with power hooks. Fourth is his stature. He stands at 5?7.5? and has a long reach. He will not only dominate his current weight class but can go north as far as welterweight or possibly higher. Lastly, he has a warrior?s heart and is exciting to watch. This for me is the reason why is the highest paid rookie boxer in the history of Philippine Boxing. At six fights, no boxer has been paid as much as he is earning from GMA and other sponsors right now. The young Pe?alosa is so lucky to begin his boxing career when boxing has been put at a pedestal by the great Manny Pacquiao. He is further lucky being the son and nephew of two Filipino Boxing Legends. It is the support and guidance of the Fighting Pe?alosa Family that will ensure the proper direction of this precious prospect. After his impressive TKO win against his first foreign opponent in Kong Kiapratcha Gym, Dodie Boy Pe?alosa, Jr. has been promised to fight in the Pacquiao vs. Marquez III showdown on November. His promotional team led by his uncle is also eyeing for WBO Youth Title Fight depending on his performance during the Pacquiao undercard. Some boxing fans are worried about Dodie Boy Jr. being overhyped and fast tracked. But we don?t have to. His father and uncle who serves as his all-in-one management and promotional team will never feed him to the lions until he is ready. Until then, let us enjoy watching him fight and pass one test after another. Dodie Boy Penalosa Jr in action against Kong KiapratchaGym last Aug. 6 in Mandaue City. Photo by Dong Secuya. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Chito Yu Katangkatang. |
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