Dodie Boy Jr fans bid for world crown, faces Thai tonight

MANILA, Philippines - Dodie Boy Peñalosa Jr. takes another step towards becoming a world champion as he meets Super James Singmanasak of Thailand in a 10-round super-bantamweight bout tonight at the Recom Dome in Caloocan City.

Peñalosa, son of two-time world champion Dodie Boy Sr. and nephew of Gerry, puts his impressive 7-0 slate on the line in the fight card staged by Caloocan City Mayor Recom Echiverri and his Councilor-son RJ in the venue located at Amparo Rotonda.

The father-and-son tandem has pledged its all-out support to Peñalosa’s quest for world recognition with the latter vowing to dish out his best shot in this event held in conjunction with Caloocan City’s 50th founding anniversary.

In yesterday’s official weigh-in held at the historic Bonifacio Monument, Peñalosa tipped the scales at 124 lbs, while Singmanasak came in at 122.

Out to steal the thunder from the headliners are two fights in the undercard.

World title hopeful Michael Farenas of the Gerry Peñalosa stable meets Davao’s Roberto Rubillar in an eight-round feather brawl, while Rey Perez and Marvin Mabait clash for the Philippine super-flyweight title set for 12 rounds.

Dodie Jr. turned professional in Jan. 2010 and stopped Donriel Marcos in three rounds at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu, Mactan Island, Cebu in his last assignment last October.

An amateur standout, Dodie Boy is eyeing a sensational showing against the touted Thai, who has promised to shock the crowd.

“I did not come here to lose,” said Singmanasak.