Dodie Jr. to fight in Pacman undercard
Cebu’s top boxing prospect Dodie Boy Peñalosa Jr. of the legendary boxing clan, inches closer to his dream of becoming the next Manny Pacquiao, when he fights in the undercard of the Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez megabout this November in Las Vegas.
However, before his November dream appearance can be realized, Dodie Boy Jr. (5-0-5, win-loss-KOs) has to first hurdle Thai Kong “The Thailand Tornado” Kiapracha this Saturday at the Mandaue Sports Complex in the main event of the Laban ng Lahi: Dugo Ng Kampeon card.
“It all depends on his performance this Saturday. I will stop communicating with Manny (Pacquiao) if he does not fight well against the Thai,” said Dodie Boy Sr.
In yesterday’s final press conference at the Sports Exchange Bar and Grill, Dodie Sr. was very optimistic about his son’s first bout abroad. Dodie Jr. however, said he does not feel any pressure and even vowed not to disappoint boxing fans especially his father and uncle — two-division world champion Gerry who manages him.
Gerry also bared his plans of staging another fight for Dodie Jr. in January next year during the Sinulog Festival, this time for a regional belt.
Dodie Jr. will train alongside Pacquiao in Baguio and in Los Angeles if the planned undercard appearance will be finalized.
MAYOL IN UNDERCARD
Meanwhile, former WBC lt.flyweight champion Rodel “Batang Mandaue” Mayol said he will be fighting for a world title under the MP Promotions against WBA flyweight champion Herrnan “Tyson” Marquez also in the undercard of Pacquiao-Marquez.
This Saturday, Mayol will face Manila’s Jayson Rotoni in the 112lb division for 10 rounds.
“Ako jud ning gipangandaman awaya bisan man tuod dili jud ing-ana kadako ang ngalan sa akong kontra kay mahulog ra pud ni nako ug tune up fight para kang Marquez,” said Mayol.
In another development, GerryPenns Promotions gave former two-time OPBF welterweight champ Jimrex “The Executioner” Jaca a chance at redeeming his once promising career that was stalled by promotional problems.
Jaca will be battling RP No. 10 welterweight Philip Jun Demicillo of Davao City for 10 rounds.
Also fighting in the undercard are Eden Sonsona vs. Eman Labansa of Bohol for 10 rounds (122lb); PABA jr.flyweight king Randy Petalcurin vs. Michael Rodriguez for 12 rounds and four more professional bouts.
The official weigh-in of the Laban ng Lahi card will be held today at the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) office.
