Gerry exits in blaze of fury

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  – Showing no signs of slowing down, two-time world boxing champion Gerry Peñalosa gave fans something to remember him by as he put on a dazzling display of ring technique in disposing of Thailand’s Yodsaengkeng Kiatmungmee at 1:49 of the fourth round in his farewell bout before 7,000 fans at the Vitaliano Agan stadium here yesterday.

Peñalosa, 38, confirmed his retirement from boxing after a 21-year odyssey where he compiled a 55-8-2 record, with 37 KOs, and took the WBC superflyweight and WBO bantamweight titles. He goes down in history as one of the greatest Filipino fighters ever.

“It’s time to go,” said Peñalosa in his dressing room. “I want to spend more time with my family as my kids are growing up. But I will never turn my back on boxing. It’s the sport I love and I want to give back for all my blessings. I thank God, my family, boxing fans all over the world and my managers who took care of my career since 1989 – Tony Aldeguer, Wakee Salud, Rudy Salud and finally, Billy Keane with Freddie Roach. I also want to thank Manny Pacquiao for his support and friendship and Boss Danding (Cojuangco).”

Peñalosa’s wife Goody and their children J. C. Boy, 11, and Julienne, 8, were at ringside for the swan song. It was the first time Peñalosa allowed his kids to watch him in action live.

Peñalosa said three weeks ago, Keane phoned from the US offering a rematch with Eric Morel or a fight against Mexico’s Abner Mares. But Peñalosa had made up his mind to hang up his gloves.

Yodsaengkeng, 22, planned to spoil Peñalosa’s party. From the start, the Thai looked to load up with his right hand and tried to goad Peñalosa into brawling. Peñalosa didn’t bite, dictating the tempo from a distance, then moving in with body shots to wear down Yodsaengkeng.

In the third round, the Thai caught Peñalosa’s attention by landing a right hook to the midsection. Peñalosa took a step back, showboated by winding up his left and spearing Yodsaengkeng with a jolting straight. Early in the fourth, Yodsaengkeng did his own version of Sugar Ray Leonard by winding up his right only he couldn’t connect. Peñalosa refused to be distracted by the Thai’s antics and was all business. In a flash, Peñalosa unleashed a barrage capped by a brutal right uppercut to the side of the body. Yodsaengkeng walked away, turned his back and fell to the canvas on all fours, prompting referee Rey Galarpe to call a halt to the carnage. The Thai vomited in his corner and was attended to by ringside physician Dr. Kelly Geronimo.

“I’d never seen Yodsaengkeng fight,” said Peñalosa. “So in the first round, I studied his style. It didn’t take long for me to figure out his strong hand was the right. I knew that was the hand to avoid. I circled away from his right and started to throw my combinations. I saw he was weak in the body because every time I landed a shot, he grunted. I didn’t want it to end that way. I wanted to treat the fans to a spectacular knockout. But I’m happy with the result.”

Peñalosa was impeccable during the fight while it lasted. He showed nifty footwork, air-tight defense, superior boxing skills and power as the crowd applauded his every move. It was a performance that showcased Peñalosa at the top of his game and celebrated a fitting end to a brilliant career.

Joining host Rep. Erbie Fabian at ringside were Secretary of Tourism Bertie Lim, City Mayor Celso Lobregat, promoter Elmer Anuran of Agoncillo, Batangas, Japanese fan Kosuke Washiyo and Panamanian aficionado Carlos Costa. Fabian staged the event through his Blue Stallion Promotions and EBAF Productions.

In the undercard, lightweight Jimrex (The Executioner) Jaca of the ALA stable halted a machine-like Hao Han of China at 1:50 of the sixth round and Peñalosa’s featherweight protege Michael Farenas knocked out Thailand’s Sangpetch Patanakan at 1:31 of the first round.

Jaca pounded Han from the first bell but couldn’t put down the durable Chinese. Despite a broken nose that spewed blood, Han stood his ground and never took a count. Referee Andres Manatad came to his rescue as Han was defenseless against the ropes.

Farenas had no difficulty mowing down Sangpetch who tumbled to the canvas thrice, the last time from a brutal body shot.

Other winners in the seven-bout, 50-round card were hometowner Marvin Mabait over Rodel Veronque by first round knockout for the vacant Mindanao Philippine Boxing Federation superflyweight title, lightflyweight Joel (Kid) Ventual over Brobro Lanquido by third round knockout and lightflyweight Renren Ruiz of the Peñalosa stable over Jhon Ray Lausa by a unanimous four-round decision.

Before the main event, Fabian gave a P10,000 check to Peñalosa as his donation for stricken fighter Z Gorres. Peñalosa is also donating his earnings from the TV rights to Gorres. The fights will be aired on Solar TV at 1 p.m. next Sunday.