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On July 17, Gerry Pe?alosa’s top fighter under his GerryPens Promotions Michael Farenas (34-3-3, 26 KOs), finally gets the title shot he’s been dreaming of against undefeated Japanese WBA world super featherweight champion Takashi Uchiyama (18-0-0, 15 KOs).
The 2-division boxing champ turned promoter Pe?alosa, faced all kinds of adversity and challenges during his illustrious career that spanned almost 20 years and a total of 65 pro fights. But not even that could prepare him for the kind of nerve-racking he endures each time he sits ringside watching his fighters as a boxing promoter. “Mas gusto ko pa na ako na lang ang lumaban eh. Mas kinakabahan pa ako na nanonood (I’d rather be the one fighting. I’m more nervous when I’m watching),” Pe?alosa told me after his nephew Dodie Boy Pe?alosa, Jr. survived a 1st round knockdown to win by TKO in Cebu at one of his promoted cards last year.
That’s why Pe?alosa has gone above and beyond with helping his ward train for the biggest fight of his career. He has overseen Farenas’ training since May in Baguio, and pulling no stops in setting his fighter up for success.
As he should.
The veteran Uchiyama is a dangerous KO artist, and is riding a lot of momentum coming from an 11th round KO win over former Manny Pacquiao opponent Jorge Solis last December. Farenas, has not looked all that impressive as of late, and in a tune-up fight last April, managed to just squeak out a split decision win against Jason Egera in Cebu. Split decisions on the road are hard to come by, and chances are, the same will hold true in Japan when he aims to thwart the reigning champ of more than 2 years.
