Gerry Peñalosa

Gerry Peñalosa
Peñalosa in 2008
Born
Geronimo J. Peñalosa

(1972-08-07) August 7, 1972 (age 51)
Other namesFearless
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height5 ft 4 in (163 cm)
Reach65 in (165 cm)
StanceSouthpaw
Boxing record
Total fights65
Wins55
Wins by KO37
Losses8
Draws2

Geronimo "Gerry" J. Peñalosa (born August 7, 1972) is a Filipino former professional boxer who competed from 1989 to 2010. He is a two-weight world champion, having held the WBC super-flyweight title from 1997 to 1998, and the WBO bantamweight title from 2007 to 2009. Originally from the city of San Carlos, Negros Occidental, Peñalosa currently resides in Manila. He was trained mainly by Freddie Roach, and went on to become a boxing trainer himself after retirement. Peñalosa's older brother, Dodie Boy Peñalosa, is also a former boxer and world champion.

Professional career

Early years at flyweight

Peñalosa turned professional in 1989. He made his debut against Fidel Jubay on May 20, 1989, and won the bout by knockout.

Super flyweight

He captured the WBC and lineal super flyweight title with a decision win over Hiroshi Kawashima on 27 February 1997 and has defended the title three times since then.

He later lost it on points to In-Joo Cho on 29 August 1998. Two years later, he had a rematch with Cho to regain the title but again lost by controversial unanimous decision.

Retirement and comeback

On 24 September 2001, he challenged Masamori Tokuyama who then succeeded Cho in being the WBC super flyweight champion. However, he lost by another controversial split decision. The two fought again on 20 December 2002 but the result was the same, in Tokuyama's favor. Peñalosa temporarily retired that year.

Peñalosa returned to boxing two years later. He defeated Bangsaen Sithpraprom for the World Boxing Foundation (WBFo) super flyweight title on 7 November 2004.

Super bantamweight

On 17 March 2007, he took on Daniel Ponce de León who then held the WBO super bantamweight title. In the fight, Peñalosa displayed his intelligence, excellent boxing skills and defensive abilities. De León who is a knockout artist could not land a clear punch on Peñalosa. Peñalosa answered with stinging counters that frustrated De Leon. Although De Leon was the busier boxer, most of his punches landed in the air and on Peñalosa's gloves. However, De Leon won via unanimous decision.

Return to bantamweight

WBO champion

On August 11, 2007, the veteran Filipino boxer took on Jhonny González of Mexico for the WBO bantamweight title at the Arco Arena in Sacramento, California, California. Peñalosa went down in weight and dethroned the Mexican fighter at the 7th round.

The younger fighter appeared to be in control of the match in the early rounds, as he skillfully kept the much shorter Peñalosa away with crisp jabs. Peñalosa stayed patient and continued to walk forward even though he is getting hit by some of the Mexican's punches. In the seventh round, Peñalosa got an opportunity, when Gonzales launched a strong right that missed Peñalosa head. Gonzalez failed to pull his arm back quickly and at that short moment, leaving a hole for the veteran fighter, who then threw a precise and solid left hook to Gonzalez' body. The defending champion fell on the canvas a few moments after receiving the counter-attack; the Mexican tried to get up and fight again but failed to do it remained down on the canvas. This was Peñalosa's second world title in 10 years.

He defended the title in Quezon City, Philippines by stopping former world title holder Ratanachai Sor Vorapin of Thailand in the eighth round on 6 April 2008.

This was the second time he fought Sor Vorapin in which Peñalosa prevailed on both encounters.

On February 21, 2009, Peñalosa took on German Meraz of Mexico at the Cebu Coliseum in Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines; the two fought in the main event of the "Battle of the Bantamweights" card. The WBO title was not at stake. The Filipino boxer won the fight by unanimous decision after 10 rounds.

Events outside the ring

After the Manny Pacquiao-Marco Antonio Barrera rematch in Las Vegas, Peñalosa and Jorge Arce of Mexico nearly figured in a fistfight, according to a report by Philboxing.com. The two boxers crossed their way out of the Mandalay Bay Events Center. The boxing website said its sources revealed that it was Arce who challenged Peñalosa to a fight. Peñalosa was reportedly with his wife Goody and Japanese associate Kosuke Washio when the incident happened. Arce was reportedly irritated when one spectator told him upon seeing Peñalosa that the Filipino boxer is more popular than him. The proud Mexican, the report said, apparently did not like the comments and immediately confronted the Filipino world champion. According to the report, Peñalosa was apparently irked by Arce's actuations and tried to follow the Mexican boxer but was prevailed upon by Goody.

Super bantamweight

He later fought on 25 April 2009, in Puerto Rico against Puerto Rican sensation Juan Manuel López for the WBO Super Bantamweight Championship. The showdown featured as a Champion versus Champion match because the two fighters were both holders of WBO World titles. Peñalosa had the bantamweight title and Lopez had the super bantamweight belt.

Early in the fight, both pugilists exchanged combinations, with López gaining a slight advantage by targeting the head and body of Peñalosa. This pattern continued in the third and fourth rounds, while the challenger continued counterattacking despite receiving more damage. Between the fifth and sixth chapters, both pugilists exchanged combinations, with Peñalosa scoring his most solid punches. During the following two rounds, López managed to establish control of the offensive's tempo, but Peñalosa continued using his counterattack. Prior to the ninth chapter, Peñalosa's trainer, Freddie Roach, warned him that he had to win by knockout or the fight would be stopped. In the round, the pattern continued with few variations, once it was over Roach submitted the fight. With this technical knockout, López became the first boxer to defeat the veteran by knockout.

After the fight, the Filipino boxer said: "He (Lopez) was too big for me. I felt his punches. But I hope he wasn't lying after the fight when he said he felt my punches, too. I was the underdog but I gave it my best. I trained hard for that fight". Then Peñalosa talked about a possible retirement after one last fight, as he wants to hang up his gloves as a champion. Many people, including members of his family and his friend, Manny Pacquiao, wanted Peñalosa to quit boxing already, saying he has nothing more to prove in the sport.

In April, Peñalosa was stripped of his bantamweight title before challenging WBO junior featherweight champion Juan Manuel López.

Farewell fights

However, Peñalosa decided to fight for one more time. Many tough boxers were considered to be his possible next opponent, including Jorge Arce, Daniel Ponce de Leon, Eric Morel and Vic Darchinyan.

On 13 February 2010, Peñalosa faced Eric Morel (41-2) of Puerto Rico for the interim WBO bantamweight title at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas, Nevada. The veteran fighter trained at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles under the guidance of coach Freddie Roach, along with Filipino prospect Bernabe Concepcion and seven-division world champion Manny Pacquiao. The bout was part of the card named "Pinoy Power 3", in which four other Filipino boxers fought. Peñalosa eventually lost the bout by a controversial Split Decision.

At the opening round the Puerto Rican looked to stick and move while Peñalosa took on the role of the aggressor. In the early rounds Morel appeared a bit more active. Peñalosa received a bad low blow in the 2nd round and was given some time to recover. In the 6th round a clash of heads opened a cut over the Filipino's right eyes; a few moments later, another headbutt opened a severe laceration over Peñalosa's left eye. The injury bled profusely during the next rounds, but he was able to hurt the opponent with strong body punches and seemed to take control of the fight. With the bleeding clearly bothering him, the "Fearless" boxer continued to attack as Morel seemed to keep away from him. Peñalosa continued along this way through the championship rounds, while Morel looked to jab and retreat. During the last rounds, Peñalosa fought hard but apparently hadn't done enough to impress the judges. Two judges scored the fight 115-113 and 116-112 for Morel, while the third and final card scored the bout 113-115 for Peñalosa. FightFan.com had the bout scored 115-113 for Peñalosa. Some people even said that the Filipino boxer should have won over the Puerto Rican, including his trainer, Freddie Roach, and Manny Pacquiao.

Following the fight against Morel, Peñalosa stated that he will fight for one last time against Yodsaenkeng Kietmangmee of Thailand on October 10, 2010. The Filipino pugilist also revealed that the proceeds of this match will be given to Z Gorres to help him with his medical expenses. The event, called "Golpe Golpe na Zamboanga: The Last Hurrah", was held at the Zamboanga City Coliseum. The former world champion won the bout by TKO in the 4th round.

Peñalosa finished his 21-year career with a professional record of 55 wins, with 37 knockouts, 8 losses and 2 draws.

Retirement

After retiring as a fighter he became a boxing promoter with his nephew, Dave Peñalosa, among the boxers in his stable.

Outside the ring

On April 21, 2008, Peñalosa won in the game show Wheel of Fortune held in the Philippines, defeating fellow boxers Rey Bautista and Alex John Banal. The prize he earned was worth P159,000 ($3,791).

Peñalosa served as the trainer of IBF flyweight champion Nonito Donaire in 2008.

Professional boxing record

65 fights 55 wins 8 losses
By knockout 37 1
By decision 18 7
Draws 2
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
65 Win 55–8–2 Anan Saeauy TKO 4 (10), 1:49 Oct 10, 2010 Mayor Vitaliano D. Agan Coliseum, Zamboanga City, Philippines
64 Loss 54–8–2 Eric Morel SD 12 Feb 13, 2010 Las Vegas Hilton, Winchester, Nevada, U.S. For vacant WBO interim bantamweight title
63 Loss 54–7–2 Juan Manuel López RTD 10 (12), 0:10 Apr 25, 2009 Coliseo Rubén Rodríguez, Bayamón, Puerto Rico For WBO super-bantamweight title
62 Win 54–6–2 German Meraz UD 10 Feb 21, 2009 Cebu Coliseum, Cebu City, Philippines
61 Win 53–6–2 Chaiya Pothang TKO 8 (12), 2:31 Apr 6, 2008 Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City, Philippines Retained WBO bantamweight title
60 Win 52–6–2 Jhonny González KO 7 (12), 2:45 Aug 11, 2007 ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California, U.S. Won WBO bantamweight title
59 Loss 51–6–2 Daniel Ponce de León UD 12 Mar 17, 2007 Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. For WBO and IBA super-bantamweight titles
58 Win 51–5–2 Mauricio Martínez TKO 9 (10), 1:05 Oct 21, 2006 Don Haskins Center, El Paso, Texas, U.S.
57 Win 50–5–2 Tomas Rojas UD 10 Jul 2, 2006 Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City, Philippines
56 Win 49–5–2 Feliciano Dario Azuaga UD 10 Dec 10, 2005 Ynares Center, Antipolo, Philippines
55 Win 48–5–2 Bangsaen Sithpraprom KO 7 (12), 1:45 Nov 27, 2004 PAGCOR Grand Theater, Parañaque, Philippines Won vacant WBF (Foundation) super-flyweight title
54 Win 47–5–2 Samingkao Chutipol TKO 2 (10), 2:35 Sep 19, 2004 Sports and Cultural Complex, Mandaue, Philippines
53 Loss 46–5–2 Masamori Tokuyama SD 12 Dec 20, 2002 Osaka-jō Hall, Osaka, Japan For WBC super-flyweight title
52 Win 46–4–2 Seiji Tanaka RTD 7 (12), 3:00 Aug 20, 2002 Neal S. Blaisdell Arena, Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S. Retained WBC International super-flyweight title
51 Win 45–4–2 Oscar Andrade UD 12 May 24, 2002 Feather Falls Casino, Oroville, California, U.S. Won NABF super-flyweight title
50 Win 44–4–2 Joel Avila TD 8 (12) Mar 2, 2002 Makati Coliseum, Makati, Philippines Retained WBC International super-flyweight title
49 Loss 43–4–2 Masamori Tokuyama UD 12 Sep 24, 2001 Yokohama Arena, Yokohama, Japan For WBC super-flyweight title
48 Win 43–3–2 Keiji Yamaguchi TKO 1 (12), 1:33 May 5, 2001 Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City, Philippines Retained WBC International super-flyweight title
47 Win 42–3–2 Chaiya Pothang TKO 6 (12) Nov 25, 2000 PAGCOR Grand Theater, Parañaque, Philippines Retained WBC International super-flyweight title
46 Win 41–3–2 Pone Saengmorakot TKO 6 (12) May 27, 2000 PAGCOR Grand Theater, Parañaque, Philippines Won vacant WBC International super-flyweight title
45 Loss 40–3–2 In-Joo Cho SD 12 Jan 2, 2000 Sheraton Grand Walkerhill Hotel, Seoul, South Korea For WBC super-flyweight title
44 Win 40–2–2 Ramon Jose Hurtado KO 2 (12), 1:51 Jun 5, 1999 Grand Casino, Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S. Won vacant WBANABA super-flyweight title
43 Loss 39–2–2 In-Joo Cho SD 12 Aug 29, 1998 Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Seoul, South Korea Lost WBC super-flyweight title
42 Draw 39–1–2 Joel Luna Zárate TD 2 (12) Apr 25, 1998 Cuneta Astrodome, Pasay, Philippines Retained WBC super-flyweight title
41 Win 39–1–1 Young-Joo Choo KO 10 (12), 1:15 Nov 23, 1997 Sangmu Gymnasium, Seongnam, South Korea Retained WBC super-flyweight title
40 Win 38–1–1 Hipolido Saucedo UD 10 Aug 5, 1997 Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, U.S.
39 Win 37–1–1 Seung-Koo Lee KO 9 (12), 0:56 Jun 14, 1997 Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base, Lapu-Lapu, Philippines Retained WBC super-flyweight title
38 Win 36–1–1 Hiroshi Kawashima SD 12 Feb 20, 1997 Ryōgoku Kokugikan, Tokyo, Japan Won WBC super-flyweight title
37 Win 35–1–1 Prasob Jaimuangdalam KO 5 (10) Nov 9, 1996 Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Manila, Philippines
36 Win 34–1–1 Kap-Chul Choi KO 3 Sep 14, 1996 Mandaue, Philippines
35 Win 33–1–1 Yun-II Kim KO 2 May 8, 1996 Naga, Philippines
34 Win 32–1–1 Inseethong Sorthanikul KO 2 (10) Mar 30, 1996 Mandaluyong, Philippines
33 Win 31–1–1 Jong Keun Lee KO 2 Nov 11, 1995 Mandaluyong, Philippines
32 Win 30–1–1 Jae-Chul Han KO 3 Aug 12, 1995 Cebu Coliseum, Cebu City, Philippines
31 Win 29–1–1 Rolando Pascua KO 8 (10) Apr 8, 1995 Cebu City, Philippines
30 Win 28–1–1 Suk-Hwi Cho KO 3 Dec 29, 1994 Manila, Philippines
29 Win 27–1–1 Steven Togelang KO 3 Oct 8, 1994 Cebu Coliseum, Cebu City, Philippines
28 Win 26–1–1 Yun-Sun Baek TKO 7 (10), 2:07 Jun 3, 1994 Cuneta Astrodome, Pasay, Philippines
27 Win 25–1–1 In-Man Chang KO 3 Mar 5, 1994 Naga, Philippines
26 Win 24–1–1 In-Man Chang PTS 10 Sep 18, 1993 Cebu City, Philippines
25 Win 23–1–1 Jesse Maca UD 10 Apr 24, 1993 Cebu Coliseum, Cebu City, Philippines
24 Win 22–1–1 Kyung-Seo Koo KO 3 Feb 20, 1993 Cebu City, Philippines
23 Win 21–1–1 Rolando Bohol UD 10 Dec 19, 1992 Aznar Memorial Coliseum, Cebu City, Philippines
22 Win 20–1–1 Sung-Kuk Kang KO 5 Oct 30, 1992 Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Manila, Philippines
21 Loss 19–1–1 Samuel Duran SD 12 Aug 1, 1992 Cebu City, Philippines For Philippines Games & Amusement Board (GAB) bantamweight title
20 Win 19–0–1 Jonathan Albay PTS 10 Jun 13, 1992 Cebu Coliseum, Cebu City, Philippines
19 Win 18–0–1 Eddie Yabut PTS 10 Feb 22, 1992 Bacolod, Philippines
18 Win 17–0–1 Rangga Yuildin KO 2 Jan 11, 1992 Cebu City, Philippines
17 Win 16–0–1 Raffy Montalban TKO 8 (10) Dec 13, 1991 Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Manila, Philippines
16 Win 15–0–1 Roger Vicera KO 4 (10) Oct 26, 1991 Cebu City, Philippines
15 Win 14–0–1 Nolito Cabato TKO 8 Jul 20, 1991 Manila, Philippines
14 Win 13–0–1 Elson Duran KO 4 Jun 1, 1991 Cebu Coliseum, Cebu City, Philippines
13 Win 12–0–1 Ric Magramo TKO 5 Jan 19, 1991 Cebu City, Philippines
12 Win 11–0–1 Bert Refugio PTS 10 Oct 19, 1990 Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City, Philippines
11 Draw 10–0–1 Ric Siodora PTS 10 Jun 23, 1990 Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Manila, Philippines
10 Win 10–0 Jeung Jae Lee KO 5 Mar 31, 1990 Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City, Philippines
9 Win 9–0 Rachmat Basuki UD 12 Jan 18, 1990 Go Skate Hall, Surabaya, Indonesia Won vacant IBF Inter-Continental junior-flyweight title
8 Win 8–0 Loloc Elloren KO 7 Dec 22, 1989 Cebu City, Philippines
7 Win 7–0 Eldie Paradero TKO 2 (10) Nov 11, 1989 Cebu Coliseum, Cebu City, Philippines
6 Win 6–0 Im-Suk Chang UD 8 Oct 14, 1989 Hong Kong, SAR
5 Win 5–0 Pol Cabanes TKO 7 (10) Sep 29, 1989 Cebu Coliseum, Cebu City, Philippines
4 Win 4–0 Eugene Flores UD 8 Aug 19, 1989 Cebu Coliseum, Cebu City, Philippines
3 Win 3–0 Bernie Bernardo UD 8 Aug 4, 1989 Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Manila, Philippines
2 Win 2–0 Eddie Torres UD 6 Jun 24, 1989 Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Manila, Philippines
1 Win 1–0 Fidel Jubay TKO 5 (6) May 20, 1989 Mandaue, Philippines

See also


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