Peñalosa fights Thai in ‘Laban ng Lahi’

MANILA—Rising ring star Dodie Boy Peñalosa Jr. tests his punching prowess against Thai Kong Kiapracha Gym in the featured eight-round bantamweight tussle of the “Laban ng Lahi: Dugong Kampeon” fight card Saturday night at the Mandaue Sports Complex in Cebu.

The son of former International Boxing Federation two-division champion Dodie Boy and nephew of World Boxing Federation and World Boxing Organization two-division champ Gerry, Dodie Boy Jr. has stopped his first five opponents and is expected to do the same against the Thai.

The 21-year-old Dodie Boy Jr., a southpaw, has been included in the undercard of Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez III on Nov. 12 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and is being readied for a world youth title bid next year.

“I really have no idea of the capability of my opponent, but I’ll give everything in my power to be worthy of my name and give joy to my countrymen,” Dodie Boy Jr. told sportswriters in a press conference recently.

According to Gerry, promoter of Laban ng Lahi through his GerryPens Promotions and the backing of GMA 7, said Dodie Boy Jr. has the skills and the heart to become a champion, gauging from his big start as a pro and a fine 27-0 record as a former amateur champion.