Manny Pacquiao is mourning the loss of one of his most trusted trainers ahead of his return to boxing in 2025.
The Filipino Senate hopeful reported the news on Tuesday after long-time coach Jonathan Penalosa passed away. Penalosa died at 57 after suffering from stage four colon cancer.
Penalosa was a former world title challenger himself at the lower weights, where his protégé Pacquiao began. He challenged Yong Kang Kim for the WBA world title in 1992, coming up short in six rounds.
Following his retirement in 1993, he became a coach and linked up with a teenage Pacquiao in the Philippines, who would later become a boxing legend.
The trainer’s death came just one week after Pacquiao visited him in the hospital, where he clung to life but was in high spirits.
Pacquiao would post on social media at the time, “Please join me in praying for Jonathan Penalosa Sr, one of my long-time trainers and friends.
“He’s currently battling stage 4 colon cancer. Let’s also pray for his entire family during this time.
“We continue to believe in the healing and strength that comes from God.”
It was known at the time that Penalosa had only a short time to live.
After his passing, Pacquiao paid tribute to the man who took senior training duties for his exhibition match against South Korean martial artist DK Yoo.
“Rest in peace, Coach Jonathan Penalosa. You were not just my coach, you became my brother in the fight and in life.
“Thank you so much for all your sacrifices and love for me and my family. We will never forget you.
“Our prayers are with the Penalosa family. We will forever miss you, Coach.
Penalosa was there for many memorable Pacquiao fights in Las Vegas, where the ‘Pac-Man’ would become a lineal champion and hold belts in eight weight classes.
He then went on to win the WBA title and became the oldest welterweight champion in July 2019 at the age of 40 against Keith Thurman. Before his first retirement, he became a national hero as a politician. He aims to be re-elected to the Senate on May 12. – If you use these WBN quotes, please link back to the source: https://www.worldboxingnews.com/manny-pacquiao-coach-dies-comeback/
