Dodie Boy, Jr. faces Marcos at Hoopsdome Saturday

CEBU, Philippines - Cebuano super bantamweight prospect Dodie Boy Peñalosa Jr. will continue what he has started as he tries to score another convincing win, this time against battle-tested Donriel Marcos in the main event of “Dugong Kampeon” this Saturday night at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City.

 The former amateur standout and son of former two-division world champion Dodie Sr., is fresh from his sixth straight win, battering Kong Kiatpracha Gym of Thailand into submission in three rounds last August at the Mandaue City Sports Complex.

But Peñalosa will be tested to the hilt against Marcos, who is a veteran of 23 fights that includes those against former intercontinental champion Ramie Laput and ALA pugs in the likes of Larry Canillas and Genesis Servania.

 “Ako gyud ni siyang (Marcos) gipangandaman og sakto, lahi sa miagi nakong away nga wala ko katarung og sparring tungod sa akong gisi sa kilay, pero karon sakto akong preparasyon og bisan beterano ni, akong kayahon,” said the 21-year-old Peñalosa in a press conference yesterday at Sports Exchange Bar and Grill along General Maxilom Avenue.

For his part, boxing champion-turned-promoter Gerry Peñalosa said that this fight will serve as a measuring stick for his nephew who is groomed to fight in the undercard of Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez showdown this November 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

In addition, Peñalosa is also preparing a regional youth title fight for Dodie Boy Jr. against an Australian boxer here in Cebu.

In the supporting bouts, IBF ranked southpaw Michael Farenas will get toe-to-toe against experienced Edgar Gabejan for the Philippine featherweight title, while comebacking Eden Sonsona will slug it out with Gadwin Tubigon of Cagayan De Oro City.

Also set to make his pro debut fight is another Peñalosa and younger brother of Dodie Boy Jr., Dave who will mix it up against John Edu Torbiso, one of the boxer who was featured in the boxing reality of GMA-7 “Buhay Boksingero.”

Also featured in Gerrypens Promotions and GMA-7 boxing card is another four rounder bout.

The official weigh-in will be held today in the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) office.

The boxing promotion was also made possible with the help of the City Government of Lapu-Lapu City and Lapu-Lapu Sports Commission headed by Councilor Harry Radaza. (FREEMAN)