Dodie Jr targets impressive win vs Indon slugger

Rising Cebuano boxing star Dodie Boy Peñalosa Jr. vows to win impressively against Indonesian Alex Buckie in this Saturday’s main event of the “Dugong Kampeon V” at the Mandaue Sports Complex.

Peñalosa Jr.’s future in boxing literally depends on his performance Saturday night that losing is definitely not an option for the nephew of two-division world champion Gerry Peñalosa who is the card’s promoter.

“This is a big opportunity for me to be given a chance to fight in the United States in the undercard of Manny Pacquiao’s fight that’s why I will do my best to win impressively this Saturday night,” declared Dodie Boy Jr. during yesterday’s final press conference at the Mandaue City Hall.

Dodie Jr. has been promised a slot in the undercard of Pacquiao’s fight if he wins impressively against Buckie.

For Buckie, a journey man from Indonesia who has fought several international and Indonesian champions, the fight is a major test in his quest to climb the boxing hierarchy.

“I will fight him with the best that I have,” Buckie said.

Dodie Boy Jr.’s first chance of fighting in the US last year was called off after he failed to impress his uncle Gerry in his fight against Donriel Marcos. Despite winning via technical knockout (TKO), Dodie Boy Jr. also suffered his first career knockdown in that fight.

“At that time, me and his father Dodie Boy Sr. decided to train him more and sharpen more his skills and this time I can say that he is prepared for a fight in the US. But first, he has to impress me this Saturday,” said Gerry.

A regional title shot for Dodie Boy Jr. is slated January next year according to Gerry. If Dodie Boy Jr. wins this Saturday night, Gerry will send him to Baguio to train alongside Pacquiao under the supervision of multi-awarded trainer Freddie Roach.

Meanwhile, the WBF and Philippine featherweight champion Michael Farenas and Jason Egera main supporting bout is described by Gerry as a war inside the ring.

“This will be a war. I know that these two boxers are both experienced, the bout will not reach 10 rounds,” said Gerry.

The card’s official weigh-in will be held at the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) office at P. Del Rosario St.