Long way to go for Dodie Boy Jr

CEBU ,Philippines – There are big plans in store for superbantamweight upstart Dodie Boy Pennalosa Jr. but neither his father Dodie Boy Sr. nor uncle Gerry – both former two-division world champions – is rushing the 21-year-old prospect into biting more than he can chew.

Last Saturday, Dodie Boy Jr. made short work of Thai victim Kong Kiatpracha-Gym, dropping him thrice en route to scoring a third round stoppage. It was hardly a test for the youngster as the Thai came just for a paycheck. Gerry, who promoted the fight at the jampacked Mandaue Sports Complex, offered Kiatpracha-Gym double his purse if he could go the eight-round distance. The Thai was content to leave the ring with his faculties intact.

Dodie Boy Jr. relentlessly pursued his prey from the opening bell, banging away with vicious digs to the side of the body. Kiatpracha-Gym gave token resistance and never laid a glove on his rampaging opponent. A series of body shots sent the Thai down thrice, prompting referee Tony Pesons to halt the massacre at 2:16 of the third.

Australian promoter Peter Maniatis, watching at ringside, was impressed with Dodie Boy Jr.’s showing and offered to leave a slot open for the kid in a card he’s staging down under on Sept. 24.

 “It depends on whom Dodie Boy Jr. will face,” said Gerry. “If he’s someone with less than 10 fights, we’ll consider it. But I’d like two or three other Filipinos in the card so Dodie Boy Jr. isn’t singled out. Right now, we’re thinking of asking Manny (Pacquiao) to get a slot for Dodie Boy Jr. in the undercard of his fight against (Juan Manuel) Marquez in Las Vegas on Nov. 12. The problem is if that happens, Top Rank will choose Dodie Boy Jr.’s opponent and sometimes, they don’t reveal your opponent until the weigh-in before the fight. Dodie Boy Jr. still has a lot to learn and we’re not taking short-cuts.”

Dodie Boy Sr. said he’d like his son to join Pacquiao in his Baguio training camp then go with him for more training at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles. The exposure to trainer Freddie Roach will be a key to his development.

“We’re planning at least two more fights this year,” said Dodie Boy Sr. “What I admire about my son is his heart. He’s not scared of anything or anyone. He can knock you out with one punch, something I couldn’t do when I fought. He’s 5-7 so he’s tall for his weight division. What he needs to work on is his defense. He’s young. He’s always looking for a quick knockout. We’re trying to make him realize the value of using combinations and setting up with the jab.”

Dodie Boy Jr. finished second year of an engineering course at Southwestern University but is now full-time into boxing. He admitted he has a long way to go before crashing the world ratings. “I need to work on my footwork, defense, jab, combinations, so much to improve,” he said. “I know if I follow what Papa tells me to do, I’ll be okay.”

Dodie Boy Jr. is the oldest of three children. Younger brother Dave, 19, is a national amateur bantamweight champion ready to turn pro. He would’ve made his pro debut last Saturday if not for a shoulder injury. The youngest is sister Ashley, nine. His boxing pedigree isn’t only traced to his father. His mother Maryann Pumar comes from a family of boxers and is related to Isagani (Little Guns) Pumar and Gabriel Pumar.

Dodie Boy Sr. is a former IBF lightflyweight and flyweight champion. His brother Gerry was the WBC superflyweight and WBO bantamweight titlist. Another brother Jonathan once fought for the WBC flyweight crown and now trains WBC/WBO bantamweight king Nonito Donaire, Jr.

 “When Dodie Boy Jr. fights, his mother just stays home,” said Dodie Boy Sr. “She never wants to watch him in the ring. On the day of his fight, she goes to Mass and prays.”

Gerry said Dodie Boy Jr. has a certain magnetism that makes him a crowd drawer. “We filled up the stadium because of Dodie Boy Jr.,” he said. “The fans came out to watch him because they know they’ll be entertained. Even at his young age, he already has a big following. This kid is going places.”

Dodie Boy Jr.’s win over Kiatpracha-Gym raised his record to 6-0, with six KOs, including three in the first round. Kiatpracha-Gym travelled to the Philippines from Thailand alone. He took the 5 a.m. PAL flight out of Cebu last Sunday with only a back-pack to show, leaving behind a forgettable performance.