Dodie Boy, Jr. ready to rumble

CEBU, Philippines - With becoming a world champion in his mind, there will be no stopping Dodie Boy Peñalosa Jr., as he tries to conquer his first foreign foe in Kong Kiatpracha of Thailand in the featured bout of “Laban ng Lahi: Dugong Kampeyon” this Saturday night at the Mandaue Sports Complex in Cebu.

A third generation of former world champions, the son of former-two division world champion Dodie Boy Sr. and nephew of Pinoy boxing icon Gerry Peñalosa, the younger Peñalosa will try to carve his sixth fight winning streak against Kiatpracha.

“Wala pa ko kakita og idea unsa moaway akong kontra pero buhaton gyud nako ang tanan aron dili lang aron mulampos ko apil na pud ang makahatag og nindot nga away sa mga boxing fans,” said the former amateur sensation Peñalosa during the final press conference yesterday at the Sports Exchange Bar and Grill in Mango Avenue.

Aside from defending his unblemished record, Dodie Boy Jr. has a task on hand to deliver not only a win but an impressive one as he is groomed to fight in the undercard of the November 12 welterweight title showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez in Las Vegas.

“Kinahanglan makapakita siya (Dodie Jr.) og convincing nga daog og gikan didto amo nang sabutan sa MP Promotions (Pacquiao’s boxing outfit) ang iyang undercard fight didto sa Las Vegas,” said boxing champion turned promoter Gerry Peñalosa.

The GerryPens Promotions and GMA-7 boxing event will also feature former WBC light flyweight champion Rodel “Batang Mandaue” Mayol, ex-OPBF lightweight titlist Jimrex “Executioner” Jaca, and the hard-hitting Eden Sonsona.

Mayol, who is preparing for a world title fight against WBA flyweight king Hernan Marquez of Mexico vows to give his hometown an exciting fight against Jason Rotoni of Manila.

While Jaca be tested by Philip Jun Demicillo and comebacking Eden Sonsona will slug it against Eman Labanza.

Also in the undercard is the PABA light flyweight championship bout between Randy Petalcurin and Michael Rodriguez.

Four six-rounder bouts will also be featured in the boxing event. The protagonists will face each other for the first time today in the weigh-in at Sports Exchange Bar and Grill. (FREEMAN)