Prince hails future King - SPORTING CHANCE by Joaquin M. Henson

Keiji (The Prince) Yamaguchi is convinced Gerry Peñalosa will regain the World Boxing Council (WBC) superflyweight title.

The Japanese fighter said he never expected Peñalosa to be so strong. Last Saturday night, Peñalosa stopped Yamaguchi in 93 seconds of the first round to retain his WBC International 115-pound crown at the Araneta Coliseum.

A single overhand left to the jaw sent Yamaguchi tumbling to the canvas, his legs thrown up in the air. He got up at eight but couldn’t hold off Peñalosa who charged in for the kill. A right straight staggered the Hokkaido challenger who reeled back into the ropes. In a flash, Peñalosa swarmed all over the hapless Yamaguchi and threw at least three more power shots before a white towel sailed into the ring from the Japanese corner, prompting referee Bruce McTavish to call it a night.

When it was over, Peñalosa walked over to Yamaguchi — slumped on his stool — and said, "Sorry but I also want to win … this is only a sport, I hope you understand." Peñalosa told the STAR he hopes Yamaguchi, who speaks no English, understood.

Peñalosa said he hit Yamaguchi so hard that his left hand hurt. He took some medication to ease the pain and soaked his hand in hot water after the fight. The hand felt fine the next morning.

Peñalosa said he didn’t want it to end so soon and looked forward to a workout of at least six rounds. But when the opportunity came to finish off Yamaguchi, he didn’t hesitate. "Iwas disgrasya," he said.

Yamaguchi’s trainer Junichi Misawa marveled at Peñalosa’s power. "Sabi raw ng trainer, baka masira lang si Yamaguchi kanya hindi na niya pinatagal," noted Peñalosa. Yamaguchi didn’t know what hit him. He repeatedly blinked his eyes and shook his head to clear the cobwebs when McTavish led him back to his corner. The impact of Peñalosa’s blows resounded like thunder and lightning.

Even Peñalosa was surprised of his strength. He credited it to Dr. Sanirose Orbeta’s nutrition program.

"Dati, naghihina ako one or two weeks before a fight dahil sa pagbabawas ng timbang," related Peñalosa. "Mahirap ‘yun — heavy sparring tapos kulang sa kain, kanya madali akong mapagod. But now, sa last three fights ko under Dr. Orbeta’s program, wala akong bawas sa pagkain, kanya solid ang power ko."

Peñalosa said in Dr. Orbeta’s program, he feasts on spaghetti, pansit canton, rice, fish, soup, bananas, and mangoes. And he drinks at least 12 glasses of water a day to keep hydrated.

Since his program doesn’t include meat, Peñalosa binged last Sunday in a restaurant on Libis. "Lahat ng bawal, kinain ko — baboy, kambing, at iba pa," he said. "One day lang naman."

Peñalosa said he’s more determined than ever before to recapture the world title. "Nakakahiya kung matalo," he continued. "Alang-alang ito sa manager ko (Rudy Salud) — malaki na ang kanyang sakripisyo para sa akin."

Peñalosa added that discipline is his secret to success. "Dapat lamang ako sa training — ‘yun ang aking advantage," he said.

Salud and his son Chito will attend the WBC superflyweight title fight between champion Masamori Tokuyama and challenger In Joo Cho on May 20. After the fight, Salud will tender a purse bid for the winner to stake the crown against Peñalosa within 90 days.

Peñalosa said he won’t make the trip to Seoul. He’s fought Cho twice and studied Tokuyama’s style carefully from tapes sent by his Japanese fan Kosuke Washiyo. He said it doesn’t matter whom he fights — Tokuyama or Cho will suffer the same fate.

Peñalosa, his wife Goody, and their son J.C. Boy leave for General Santos City to attend Manny Pacquiao’s church wedding and the baptism of his newly-born son tomorrow. Peñalosa will stay in General Santos to campaign for his father-in-law Rodolfo Llido, a candidate for Councilor, and returns home to Davao City after the elections.