Peñalosa off to Puerto Rico

CEBU, Philippines - Peñalosa, who takes a stab at boxing glory in the sunset years of his long and illustrious boxing career, flies to Puerto Rico on March 5 to take part in a quick promotional tour for his world superbantamweight fight against Juan Manuel Lopez scheduled on April 24.

Gerry, who is currently training in Baguio City with world flyweight champion Nonito Donaire, Jr., will be accompanied in the trip by his wife, Goldie, and benefactor-friend North Cotabato Vice Gov. Manny Piñol.

The trip was arranged by boxing writer Lee Bates for promoter Ivan Rivera of PR Best Boxing which is staging the world championship bout between Lopez and Peñalosa along with Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions.

"It will just be a quick trip and it is Gerry's contribution to the publicity of the promotions," said Vice Gov. Piñol, who was personally asked by Gerry to accompany him during the trip.

Peñalosa, 36, will attempt to add another title in a higher weight division when he meets the undefeated boxing champion from Puerto Rico.

"This will be a very tough fight for Gerry and we cannot take him out from his training regimen for so long, but at the same time Gerry understands that he has to show his support to the promotions but appearing in a public workout in Puerto Rico," said Vice Gov. Pinol. – EBV (THE FREEMAN)