Jaworski urges Peñalosa to fight for flag, country

Sen. Robert Jaworski has agreed to donate and present the WBC (World Boxing Council) international superflyweight championship belt to the winner of the Gerry Peñalosa-Ratanachai Sor Vorapin fight on Nov. 25 at Casino Filipino’s Amphitheater in Paranaque.

It will be the second time in six months that Peñalosa will be fighting before his throng of Filipino fans after scoring a sixth round technical knockout victory over Thailand’s Pone Saengmorakot last May at the same venue.

Jaworski, a noted sports patron and chairman of the Senate Committee on Games and Amusements, urged Peñalosa to give it his best shot against the talented Thai challenger, who packs 38 wins and four losses, in a recent courtesy call at the Senate.

The lawmaker, in fact, took time out from a session to personally talk to Peñalosa and give him words of advice for his keenly-awaited clash against the 29-year-old Vorapin, who is scheduled to arrive Sunday.

"Train properly and win it for flag and country," Peñalosa quoted Jaworski.

The 12-round fight, which also features a blockbuster undercard, is presented by San Miguel Beer and Casino Filipino.

Peñalosa, the No. 1 contender in the WBC superflyweight division, is in a must-win situation against Vorapin with a victory guaranteeing his crack at the world title currently held by Japanese North Korean Masamori Tokuyama.

Tickets for the fight are now available at Casino Filipino in Parañaque, Heritage Hotel, Manila Pavilion, Grand Boulevard Hotel, Ticketworld’s main office and at all National Bookstore outlets.