The two hottest things in boxing work together. One is junior welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao. The other is Pacquiao’s trainer , Freddie Roach. The two are basking in the bright lights of superstardom after years of hard work.
But what must it be like to be the man that Pacquiao and Roach are quick to praise. To know that somewhere people seek out your counsel because of the professional respect and admiration each has for you.
This is the current world of Gerry “Fearless” Penalosa. A soon to be 37 year old active fighter. He is coming off a ninth round TKO to Puerto Rican sensation Juan Manuel Lopez. Penalosa moved up in weight to challenge for Lopez’s WBO junior featerweight title in April.
Lopez had been one of the most electrifying new fighters in boxing. Juanma was highly regarded as a powerful technician who had destroyed many past opponents. Penalosa , while thoroughly beaten , refused to go down. The fight was stopped by Gerry’s trainer , Freddie Roach , in the ninth. But not before Penalosa had gained a new found respect from the American viewing audience.
Penalosa is currently scheduled to fight in August. As to date a variety of opponents have been mentioned. But what happens to the multi title holder when he decides to call it a career. His 54-7-2 record could be hall of fame material. But some see Penalosa as having a higher calling , that of world class trainer.
Roach has said that Penalosa is the best technical boxer to ever come out of the Philippines. Pacquiao has stated that Gerry was an idol of his. A close look will reveal some of the same footwork and body movements fom Manny and Gerry.
How does that translate into being a great trainer? Well first you have to have a student that is willing to learn. Just as Freddie is quick to point out that Manny can learn even more. Manny is humble enough to know that even the greats never stop learning.
So who is Penalosa’s eager pupil? As of this writing it is none other than the Filipino Flash , Nonito Donaire. Donaire is on most pound for pound list. Still many others consider him the heir apparent to Pacquiao , once Pacman calls it a day.
Donaire is a cerebral fighter who studies his opponents and attacks with speed , power and angles. Nonito credits Gerry with becoming more tactical , if that is possible , and how not to get hit.
Is it possible that we will see an even better Donaire than we have seen in the past? Even Roach had to slowly add little elements into Pacquiao’s game. You can’t throw everything at a fighter at once. It takes patience and cunning. And according to the experts , that is what Penalosa has an abundance of.
