For Gerry Peñalosa, the Year of the Horse could bring the luck that has been as elusive as a slippery eel since he lost the World Boxing Council (WBC) superflyweight title in 1998.
Peñalosa, 29, was frustrated in three bids to regain the WBC crown — twice, on questionable split decisions to In Joo Cho and once, on a foul-marred verdict to Masamori Tokuyama. The setback to Tokuyama last September drew the attention of WBC president Jose Sulaiman as it was pointed out that English referee Larry O’Connell was remiss in failing to deduct points from the defending champion despite a concentrated headbutt attack that left Peñalosa bleeding from six cuts.
Peñalosa’s manager Rudy Salud protested O’Connell’s inaction at the WBC convention in Pattaya last month. Sulaiman upheld Salud’s protest and promised Peñalosa another title crack, provided he remains undefeated, within nine months.
Tokuyama, the reigning WBC 115-pound titlist, is set to stake the throne against Kozuhiro Ryuko in Yokohama in March. If Tokuyama wins, Sulaiman agreed to allow another optional defense — against Katsuhige Kawashima. And if Tokuyama beats Kawashima, he will be ordered to defend against Peñalosa during the WBC convention in Tokyo in September. But if Ryuko wins, Sulaiman decreed that Peñalosa will be the first challenger in line and ruled the title fight to be held within 90 days.
Peñalosa began rigid training in Manila last Friday for his next fight, a WBC International superflyweight title defense against Philippine champion Joel Avila in late February or early March, possibly at the Makati Coliseum. He starts sparring at the Rizal Memorial gym tomorrow. His chief sparmate is unbeaten superflyweight Rolando Gerongco who boasts a 7-0-1 record, with five knockouts.
Peñalosa told The STAR yesterday after the Avila bout, he will train under Freddie Roach in Los Angeles. Roach, who trained Manny Pacquiao for his fight against Lehlo Ledwaba last June, is conducting clinics here in February. Peñalosa hopes to see action in one or two fights in the US before challenging for the WBC title.
"Bagong challenge ito para sa akin," said Peñalosa. "Excited ako sa pagkakataong ito. Last card ko na ’to. Cannot afford to lose. No patsy opponents para sa akin. Galing ako sa talo, kaya no choice except to go all out."
Peñalosa said he felt vindicated after the WBC upheld Salud’s protest.
"Malaking pasasalamat ko kay Attorney Salud," he continued. "Hindi niya ako pinababayaan. Wala siyang share sa aking premyo yet siya ang gumagastos para sa akin. Sa Los Angeles, siya ang nagbabayad ng apartment namin — mga $1,500 a month plus expenses sa pagkain at pamumuhay."
Peñalosa added that Japanese impresario Akihiko Honda has agreed to act as his business manager for a 15 percent share of his purses. Honda paid a $10,000 signing bonus to seal the deal.
Peñalosa said he is dedicating his drive back to the top to his family — wife Goody and their two children, two-year-old J Boy and daughter Julline Jaile who was born last Nov. 22 — and Salud.