Gerry’s do-or-die duel - SPORTING CHANCE by Joaquin M. Henson

World Boxing Council (WBC) International superflyweight champion Gerry Peñalosa isn’t taking any chances against challenger Ratanachai Sor Vorapin of Thailand in their scheduled 12-round title bout at the Casino Filipino Amphitheather in Parañaque on Nov. 25.

Peñalosa described Vorapin as his toughest opponent since Hiroshi Kawashima, the Japanese hero whom he dethroned as WBC 115-pound titlist in Tokyo three years ago. Both Vorapin and Kawashima are southpaws, like Peñalosa. On a scale of 1 to 10, Peñalosa said Vorapin would be a 10 because he’s "a complete fighter."

Vorapin has it all, continued Peñalosa – power, intelligence, experience, footwork, handspeed, defense, and courage. But he’s not fazed. Peñalosa wouldn’t predict outright victory but assured Filipino fans they won’t be disappointed on fight night.

Peñalosa said the Vorapin bout is a do-or-die fight. He’s treating it like the WBC crown is at stake because Vorapin is a tougher opponent than reigning WBC superflyweight champion Masamori Tokuyama, a North Korean who’s a naturalized Japanese, and much tougher than his previous victim Pone Saengmorakot, also a Thai.

"Once matalo ko si Vorapin, parang world champion na rin ako kasi kayang-kaya ni Vorapin talunin ni Tokuyama," explained Peñalosa. "Sa akin, itong darating na laban ko, I consider it a world title fight."

Peñalosa has studied Vorapin’s style carefully in a tape of the Thai’s fight against International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior bantamweight champion Mare Johnson last year. Peñalosa said while Vorapin lost on points, he wasn’t disgraced.

"Counter-puncher siya," said Peñalosa. "Mabilis kumilos – may handspeed, may footspeed. Sound ang kanyang fundamentals. At hindi napapagod. Hindi madaling laban ito."

To prepare for Vorapin, Peñalosa spare every other day with amateur star Nick Baron and pro Joebar Damosmog. So far, he has logged about 70 rounds of sparring at the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) gym in the Rizal Memorial complex. When he’s not sparring, Peñalosa punishes himself in workouts at the gym. Every morning, he jogs to maintain his stamina at the Cultural Center grounds or the Rizal track oval.

Peñalosa and his manager Rudy Salud recently visited nutritionist Dr. Sanirose Orbeta at her home in Magallanes Village. Dr. Orbeta has prescribed a potent diet that allows Peñalosa three square meals a day without putting on weight. Peñalosa has weighed in at 118 pounds and is on target to easily make the 115-pound limit at the weigh-in the day before the fight. He said he doesn’t go hungry and feels stronger than ever.

Vorapin isn’t taking any chances either. He’s got everything to gain and nothing to lose in the fight, considering Peñalosa is the WBC’s No. 1 contender and next in line for a mandatory title shot.

The Thai was originally scheduled to fly in on Nov. 21, four days before the fight, but has advanced his arrival to Nov. 19 to acclimatize to local conditions. Vorapin is planing in with Hawaii-based Filipino manager Leon Panoncillo and two other companions.

Peñalosa said he feels no pressure in the fight despite its importance. "Alam ko kung ano ang kaya kong gawin," he continued. "Hindi ko iniisip na ako’y matatalo. Magaling si Vorapin, mas magaling naman ako. Magkakasubukan na lang sa loob ng ring."

Peñalosa said he knows that Vorapin has made it a habit to feast on Filipino prey – the Thai has never lost to a Filipino in 13 fights. He promised to make Vorapin pay for what he has done to Filipino fighters. Peñalosa said he is dedicating the fight to the Filipinos who lost to Vorapin. "Ipagbabayad natin siya," Peñalosa assured.

Peñalosa, 29, is a win away from challenging for the WBC title. He holds the WBC International crown for contenders outside the top 10 and will defend it against Vorapin who boasts a 38-4 record, with 27 KOs, compared to Peñalosa 41-3-2 mark, with 26 KOs. Vorapin, 29, is a former IBF Intercontinental champion and has won 21 of his last 22 fights.