Avila promises a fight to the finish. If Peñalosa expects to breeze to victory, Avila says he’s in for a shock.
So far, Avila has sparred 60 rounds against the likes of Roger Galicia, Jovy Oracion, Albert Cesa, and WBC International bantamweight titlist Abner Cordero. He expects to complete at least 75 rounds before tapering off for his appointment with destiny.
Avila admits he idolizes Peñalosa. But his admiration won’t get in the way of shooting for the biggest win of his career.
"Kanya na lahat–footwork, bilis, pagiilag, lakas," says Avila. "Alam naman natin kung gaano kagaling si Penalosa. Subalit tao lang siya. Sa tingin ko, kung tamaan ko sa panga, babagsak siya."
Avila says he’s prepared to hit and run against Peñalosa. When there’s an opening, he’ll move in to throw his power bombs. He’ll be careful, of course, because he knows Peñalosa’s a knockout puncher. He plans to confuse Peñalosa by fighting in and out.
Avila’s trainer Leonardo (Mang Ambo) Pablo says the odds are 50-50. He’s not discounting an Avila upset over Peñalosa because his boy is well-prepared. Besides, the pressure is on Peñalosa, not Avila. "Underdog si Joel kaya nothing to lose kami at everything to gain," notes Pablo.
"Baka panahon na ni Joel. Hindi siya mapapahiya–lalaban ng puspusan. May pagka-slow starter si Joel kaya sa sparring niya, kaagad kong pinasasabak sa bugbugan. Fight to win kami."
Avila says he realizes the fight could lead to the break he’s been dreaming of—the chance to fight for the world title. A win over Peñalosa will catapult Avila into the championship picture. If given the chance, Avila says he’ll avenge Peñalosa’s loss to WBC 115-pound champion Masamori Tokuyama.
"Malaking pagkakataon ito para sa akin," says Avila who packs a record of 25-8-3, with 13 knockouts. "Hindi ko sasayangin ito."
Avila, 26, is married to Anna Alonzo, a Tacloban City native like himself. They have two children—Anthony, 3, and Janine, 1. He’s dedicating his fight against Peñalosa to his family.
Pablo, 61, fought eight years as a pro and retired in 1970 after going blind in his left eye. He began training fighters in 1989 and has worked with such champions as Manny Pacquiao, Orlando Villaflor, and Joselito Rivera. Pablo says Avila has the makings of a world champion and predicts a close fight against Peñalosa.
"Kung akala ni Gerry na walang kalaban-laban si Joel, nagkakamali siya," says Pablo.
Avila has been decked only once in his career—by Raffy Aladi in his first 10-rounder five years ago. He’s lost only twice by knockout—to Aladi and to Mbwana Matunia in Tanzania last year. Pablo explains that Avila was three pounds underweight against Matunia and lost steam in the seventh round but never went down.
Pablo guarantees that if Avila lands his potent right uppercut on Peñalosa’s chin, it’ll be lights out for the WBC’s No. 1 contender. Avila has notched five first round knockouts–one of his victims was Felix Marfa–so Pablo isn’t boasting baselessly. Avila’s coming off back-to-back wins over Marlon Castaneda and Jhunver Halog.
Penalosa can’t afford to lose to Avila. A loss will finally bring down the curtains on his career. If he wins, Penalosa will leave for the U.S. to train under Freddie Roach and wait for the chance to challenge Tokuyama in a rematch.