Peñalosa takes on Thai foe tonight

CEBU, Philippines - Cebuano super bantamweight prospect Dodie Boy Peñalosa Jr. vowed to come up with another impressive victory, this time against Thai foe Kong Kiatpracha in the main event of “Laban ng Lahi: Dugong Kampeyon” tonight at the Mandaue Sports Complex.

With a chance to fight in a bigger stage as part of the undercard of the November 12 welterweight showdown of Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez, Peñalosa will do everything not only to impress but also to prove that a new blood of Peñalosa is ready to conquer the boxing world.

Beside the fact that he hasn’t have a single idea of his opponent's style, the 21-year-old former amateur standout is confident that he can pull a strategy to demolish Kiatpracha.

“Honestly, zero (idea) gyud ko aning akong kontra (Kiatpracha). Wa ko kita og tapes sa mga away niya maong wa koy idea unsaon akong strategy,” said Dodie Boy Jr. during the official weigh-in yesterday at the Sports Exchange Bar and Grill.

“Pero kompiyansa kay ko nga mudaog and wa gyud koy kulba nga na-feel og kun makakita ko og chance bisag sa round 1 ako ni siyang tumbahon,” he said.

Dodie Boy Jr. and Kiatpracha both scaled in at exactly 122 lbs.

For his part, Thai trainer Win Panyaparichot warned Dodie Boy Jr. that his boxer will not back down to any challenge as the 32-year-old active Muay Thai fighter Kiatpracha plan to spoil the Pinoy boxer’s party.

“Yes he is good (Dodie Boy, Jr.) but my fighter has experience and that’s what matters most,” said Panyaparichot.

In the supporting bouts, former WBC light flyweight title-holder Rodel “Batang Mandaue” Mayol takes on Jason Rotoni of Manila in his first fight before hometown crowd in five years, while former two-time OPBF champion Jimrex Jaca will be tested by Philip Jun Demicillo.

Also, the comebacking Eden Sonsona will slug it out with Eman Labanza, while Randy Petalcurin and Michael Rodriguez will mix it up for the PABA light flyweight championship. (FREEMAN)