Gerry sees tough fight vs Thai rival

There was no animosity in the air when Gerry Peñalosa, the Filipino champion, and Ratanachai Sor Vorapin, the Thai challenger, stood face to face yesterday during their short but well-attended press preview at the Parañaque Casino Filipino Amphitheater.

But come fight night on Saturday, nothing less than a slambang affair is expected when the two fighters dispute the WBC International superflyweight crown Peñalosa snatched from Pone Saengmorakot, another Thai boxer, last May at the same venue. The fight is scheduled to start at 8 p.m.

"Tatlong tulog na lang ang hinihintay natin," said Peñalosa 28, in anticipation of a victory which would serve as a big stepping stone in his bid to regain the world title – currently being held by Japan’s Masanori Tokuyama.

Reacting to Vorapin’s prediction that he would finish off the Filipino champ inside five rounds, Peñalosa said: "Madaling sabihin ’yon pero mahirap naman gawin. Gusto ko man sabihin ’yon ay alam kong mahirap kaya sa Sabado na lang natin makikita."

Peñalosa, with a ring record of 41 wins (26 KOs), three losses and two draws, however, admitted that he could be in for one of the toughest fights of his career. "Magaling din kasi. May straight, may hook at magaling na counter-puncher. Halos pareho lang kami ng style, slugger din siya," he said. The event is sponsored by San Miguel Beer and Pagcor.

That Peñalosa could be in for some unforgettable experience was quickly echoed by Vorapin’s Hawaii-based Filipino manager Leon Panoncillo. "I’m telling you, my fighter has never been knocked down before and he’s hungry. He really wants the opportunity to fight the Japanese champion," he said.

Vorapin was not joking, Panoncillo stressed, when he vowed to finish off Peñalosa in five rounds but said it could always go the other way. "Basing on their similar styles, it’s going to be one or another. The fight won’t last the distance so it’s not going to be boring. They’re not gonna run away."

The local crowd won’t in any way affect Vorapin’s chances, according to his manager who will have Efren Tabanas, another Filipino fighter and Peñalosa’s close friend, in his corner. Joining Peñalosa will be his brother Dodie Boy – the former world champion – and father Carl.

"In fact, Gerry called up Efren yesterday and asked for some information regarding Vorapin’s style. But all Efren told him was that Vorapin (38 wins with 27 KOs and four losses) is one hell of a fighter. There’s nothing more Efren can say because he’ll be working our corner on Saturday," Panoncillo added.

Peñalosa’s manager, Atty. Rudy Salud, suffered a stroke two Sundays ago but is now recovering in the comforts of his home. "He said he will try to watch the fight although it would be a bit risky. Still, I will dedicate this fight to him," Peñalosa said.