Peñalosa said yesterday he will challenge International Boxing Federation (IBF) bantamweight titleholder Rafael Marquez of Mexico in Dubai on Dec. 2. He credited "kumpare" Manny Pacquiao’s management team for negotiating the match with promoter Gary Shaw.
"It’s a chance of a lifetime," said Peñalosa. "I’m grateful to Manny for making this happen. I know (trainer) Freddie (Roach) and Wakee (Salud) worked hard to get the fight. I was told Marquez’ trainer has announced the defense in the internet and it’s all over the sports news in Japan."
Peñalosa said he will train at least 12 weeks for the bout and plans to report to Roach at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles when Pacquiao opens boot camp for his third meeting, the "Grand Finale," with Erik Morales.
"I’m hungry again," said Peñalosa who won the WBC crown in 1997 and lost it in his fourth defense to In Joo Cho a year later. "My goal is to win the championship, make two defenses then retire by the middle of next year. I can do it. I’m in good shape and I’m motivated. I don’t feel I’m 34. I feel more like I’m 30."
Peñalosa spent his birthday with wife Goody and their two children, Julio Cesar, 7, and Julienne Gayle, 4, in the family’s Multinational Village home in Parañaque.
Peñalosa was supposed to challenge World Boxing Association superflyweight champion Martin Castillo in the "Grand Finale" undercard but the title unexpectedly changed hands a few weeks ago. Castillo was stopped by Nobuo Noshiro in the 10th round and dethroned in Japan.
"The fight against Castillo was a done deal," said Peñalosa. "Bob Arum is Castillo’s promoter so I was assured of a title shot in the undercard."
The cancellation could be a blessing in disguise for Peñalosa because fighting in Dubai will mean a "hometown" advantage for the San Carlos City southpaw considering the large Filipino population in the United Arab Emirates.
Marquez, 31, won the IBF crown via an eighth round stoppage of Tim Austin in 2000 and has since repulsed seven challengers. He turned pro in 1995, has compiled a 36-3 record, with 32 KOs and has not lost in his last 15 outings.
Roach said Peñalosa deserves another title crack. "He’s not as quick as he was before but he’s smart and slick," said Roach. "He stays in good condition and is an intelligent kid. Gerry’s a skillful boxer. I think he’s good for one more title."
Age is not a handicap for Peñalosa who draws inspiration from George Foreman, Archie Moore, Jersey Joe Walcott and Takashi Koshimoto.
Foreman was 45 when he knocked out Michael Moorer to win the world heavyweight title in 1994. Moore was 39 when he outpointed Joey Maxim for the world lightheavyweight crown in 1952 and Walcott was 37 when he trounced Ezzard Charles for the world heavyweight belt in 1951. Koshimoto was 35 when he upset In Jin Chi for the WBC featherweight diadem last January.
Peñalosa turned pro in 1989 and has racked up a 50-5-2 record, with 33 KOs. He has won his last four assignments. Last month, Peñalosa beat Mexico’s Tomas Rojas on points in the Pacquiao-Larios undercard at the Araneta Coliseum.
After losing the WBC title in 1998, Peñalosa tried to regain the crown thrice but was thwarted each time by a series of disputed decisions.
Peñalosa said he now weighs about 123 pounds, five over the bantamweight limit, and shouldn’t find it difficult to make the weight once he begins hard training.
Peñalosa trains in his own gym on John Street at the Multinational Village. He instructs 10 to 15 students a day and also supervises workouts for his pro prospect Mike Farenas.