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By Krista Angela M. Montealegre, Reporter
Filipino fans, boxing experts and even superstar Manny Pacquiao are
urging Gerry Peñalosa to retire, but the boxer nicknamed
“Fearless” will not hang his gloves just yet.
After the younger Juan Manuel Lopez handed him
what could be the worst beating of his 20-year career for the super
bantamweight title in April, Peñalosa is eager to prove his worth
and make a grand exit fitting for a great Filipino champion like
him.
“I appreciate their concern but I am asking
for one more fight. Win or lose, I will retire after that fight. And
I want that fight to take place in the Philippines,” said the
36-year-old Peñalosa during Tuesday’s PSA Forum.
Peñalosa (54-7-0 36 knockouts) is eyeing the
winner of Fernando Montiel-Eric Morel fight, who will be battling
for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight title on
June 27 in Atlantic City.
Peñalosa, who can boast of never being knocked
down, was stripped of the 118-pound belt after failing to defend it
in a year’s time and the proud gladiator said he desperately wants
it back.
“I want the winner of that fight. And if I
win, then I can retire as a champion. That’s what I want to do,”
said Peñalosa, adding that he was more comfortable fighting at the
bantamweight division.
After nine grueling rounds with Lopez, trainer
Freddie Roach stopped the fight before the beginning of the 10th
round.
“He 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,” he said.
The Filipino fighter was later hailed for
putting up a gallant stand.
But in his last hurrah, Peñalosa is looking forward to a possible
fight with Montiel, who defeated Filipino Z Gorres last year.
“I’d like to get that fight so I can avenge
the loss of Gorres. And I want it staged in our country so for one
more time I can fight before my countrymen. If I win the crown, then
I will retire as the champion,” he added.
Whoever wins between Montiel and Morel will have
90 days to defend the crown, and Peñalosa is keeping his fingers
crossed he could get that fight.
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