Dodie Boy Peñalosa Jr. (4W-0L, 4 KOs) promised boxing fans a good show this Saturday when he fights Jeffrey Jimenez (5W-8L-2D, 3 KOs) of Zamboanga City in the main event of the “Dugong Kampeon II” card at the Cebu Coliseum.
“I trained hard for this bout. I sparred three times a week, six rounds each and the last sparring session I had reached eight rounds,” Dodie Jr. said during yesterday’s press conference at the Cebu Sports Exchange Bar and Grill.
His last three foes did no go past the first round and Peñalosa Jr. is thinking about the possibility of lasting the full route. He has been having back pains during training but his father, former two-division world champ Diosdado “Dodie Boy” Peñalosa said his son is no longer bothered by the pain. This will be first fight in the eight-round distance.
The younger Peñalosa is feeling the pressure of trying to live up to the family name and fighting in a bout promoted by his uncle Gerry Peñalosa, also a two division world champion.
“Yes, I do feel pressure. But my father and uncle have been very supportive of my career choice. I know with their support and guidance, nothing is impossible,” Peñalosa Jr. said.
“My nephew is very talented,” Gerry emphasized. “I would not have wasted my time promoting this fight if I did not see his potential. He is a future world champion. I don’t want his talent to be wasted. They approached me for help and I approached GMA TV who agreed to air this fight.”
Dodie Sr. promised fans a knockout. Jimenez however, was not available during the press conference as his trip to Cebu was delayed due to bad weather. But he is expected to arrive before the official weigh-in this afternoon.
Promoter Gerry Peñalosa is eyeing former WBO Asia-Pacific bantamweight titlist Jason Egera as a future opponent for his nephew. “Maybe in July or September, if Dodie J.r wins impressively on Saturday.”
Gerrypens Promotions also informed that fans can get in the general admission or bleacher section for free courtesy of Rep. Manny Pacquiao. Ringside seats priced at P200, lower box P100 and P50 for upper box tickets.
Undercard fighters include Marvin Mabait vs. Aljon Salogaol (10 rounds jr. bantamweight), Sonny Katiangdagho vs. Johnjier Torbiso (4 rds jr. lightweight), Junie Salogaol vs. John Edu Torbiso (4 rds flyweights) and Renren Tesorio vs. Jaime Bermiso (4 rds miniflyweights).
There will be two amateur fights. Fight time is at 6 p.m.