IN what could be his career’s swan song, ex-world super-flyweight champion Gerry Pe?alosa wants to leave a lasting impression in his upcoming title bout.
Pe?alosa, 34, exuded confidence about his chances of dethroning World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight champion Jhonny Gonzalez.
“Ito talaga ang timbang ko at ’yung istilo ni Gonzalez ang gusto kong kalaban. This time I’m confident mananalo ako [I will win],” said Pe?alosa.
Before fighting Daniel Ponce de Leon in a WBO super-bantamweight clash last March, Pe?alosa admitted the uncertainties of his first and only fight in the 122-lb class.
“Sa paglaban ko kay de Leon last March, gusto ko lang talagang malaman kung pwede pa akong maging world champion. Noon ko pa gustong makalaban si Gonzalez pero si de Leon ang naging available kaya tinanggap ko ’yung offer nila,” said Pe?alosa.
Pe?alosa will battle Gonzales for 12 rounds, or less, as part of the Mexico vs. Philippines World Cup tournament on August 11 at the Arco Arena in Sacramento, California. Pe?alosa said this may well be his last fight before he finally hang up his gloves.
“Kahit siguro manalo, magre-retire na ako. Although gusto ko pa ng rematch kay de Leon, pero tingin ko hindi ’yun mananalo kay Bautista,” added Pe?alosa.
Ponce de Leon’s title defense against Bautista will serve as the main event of the tournament.
Pe?alosa lost a controversial 12-round decision to Ponce de Leon last March at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada. In their encounter, Pe?alosa fought toe-to-toe with Ponce de Leon but the Filipino fighter, known for his excellent defensive skills, parried the Mexicans blows with both his gloves.
A good number of respected international boxing writers felt Pe?alosa got the raw end of the deal when the judges scored an unthinkable unanimous decision win for Ponce de Leon.
“This time, hindi ko na papabayaan na ang mga judges ang mag-decide ng laban. Talagang gagawin ko lang lahat para matapos sa knockout ang laban namin,” said Pe?alosa.
Pe?alosa left for Los Angeles Tuesday night and will go straight to the Wild Card Gym to continue his training under famed American trainer Freddie Roach.
The 25-year-old Gonzalez has a record of 34-5 with 29 knockouts. He won the crown in October 2005 when he stopped Thai Ratanachai Sor Vorapin via a seventh-round TKO. His last fight was in March 30 when he defended the crown against ex-IBF champion Irene Pacheco.
Pe?alosa has a record of 51-6-2, 34 knockouts.
