Peñalosa, Mayol, Jaca in Laban ng Lahi

TWO–DIVISION world champion turned promoter Gerry Peñalosa has brought together three of the country’s promising fighters to fight in the Laban Ng Lahi-Dugong Kampeon fight card slated Aug. 6 at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex.

Among the three is Dodie Boy Peñalosa Jr., who sports a 5-0 (win-loss) card. All his victories were by way of knockouts. He will fight in the main event against his first foreign opponent in Kong “The Thailand Tornado” Kiapracha of Thailand.

“This is very challenging for me and at the same time I’m very excited,” said Dodie Boy Jr. “I am not familiar with this boxer (Kiapracha) but I know there’ll be great opportunities waiting for me if I win this fight.”

Two of Cebu’s best boxers in Rodel “Kid Rapido” Mayol of Mandaue City and Jimrex “The Executioner” Jaca will be fighting in the undercard against top caliber Filipino boxing prospects.

Mayol will face Manila’s Jayson” The Wrecking Machine” Rotoni in the 112 lb division. He is fighting in his hometown in Mandaue City after five years of campaigning abroad.

Jaca, on the other hand, will be facing Davao City’s Philip Jun Democillo in the 145lb division.

“It was very difficult to make this fight card possible because I had to do a lot of negotiations with (Jimrex) Jaca and (Rodel) Mayol,” said Gerry Peñalosa, who owns the newly established GerryPens Promotions. “However I am very thankful to them for accepting my offer and it’s a great honor for me.”

Mayol and Jaca were also happy of the chance given to them by Gerry.

“I am very thankful to Gerry for giving me a chance to showcase my skills to my townsfolk,” Mayol said.

Jaca and Mayol graced yesterday’s official launching at the Sports Exchange Bar and Grill together with the Peñalosas.

Meanwhile, Gerry’s older brother and former world champion Dodie Boy Sr. said they changed their training routine last Wednesday after Dodie Boy Jr.’s cut from his recent knock out victory over Julius Tarona last June was sliced open again during a sparring session.

General Santos native and WBC number 12 contender Eden Sonsona will slug it out against Eman Labansa of Bohol in the 122lb division.

Another exciting attraction will be the first title defense of PABA light flyweight champ Randy Petalcuran against Michael Rodriguez.

GMA Network 7 will be covering the fight cards. GMA representative Marivic Araneta said they are aiming to invest in Dodie Boy Jr.’s talents because they believe in his skills. The bouts will be aired the morning after the fight night.