DAVE WANTS TO CARRY ON WITH THE PEÑALOSA FAMILY TRADITION
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 30 Sep 2018
QUEZON CITY ? It's in the blood. That's the main reason why Dave Pe?alosa, a third generation son of the Pe?alosa fighting clan, is coming back from 'retirement' to pursue his dream of becoming a world champion, just like his famous dad Dodie Boy and uncle Gerry who were both two-time world champions.
?It's because of our family [tradition],? Dave told the media Saturday on why he's climbing the squared ring again. And his dream to become a world champion is the itch that continually push him to pick up the gloves and sweat it out everyday during training.
Dave, together with his younger brother Dodie Boy Jr made the headlines when they made their professional debuts in 2010 and 2011 respectively and made headlines by wining in entertaining fights that also won them fans and a growing following. But in 2016, with both still undefeated (Dave with 12 wins 8 knockouts and Dodie Boy with 19 wins, 15 knockouts), they disappeared on the boxing scene.
?I am very happy that Dave and Dodie Boy are no longer fighting,? the two boxers' mother Marie Ann told this writer in April 2017 in Osaka, Japan when Marlon Tapales lost his title on scales against Shohei Omori, a fight both Marie Ann and myself both attended. Marie Ann was brought to Japan by Tapales's manager Rex 'Wakee' Salud to help Tapales as a nurse.
Marie Ann only wished his two sons to lead regular lives and confessed that every time any of his sons fight she would just hide herself in her room or in comfort rooms at event venues to pray. She had not watched any of his sons' fights live.
Family tradition. Two time world champion Dodie Boy Pe?alosa (L) father of Dave (second from right) and Gerry (C) who promotes this fight, with Twalib Tuwa, Dave's Tanzanian opponent during Saturday's weighin at ESPN 5 headquarters in Mandaluyong.
But it looks like the mother cannot just stop the desire of his eldest son to keep on fighting. Dave returned to action last July in Bohol where he stopped hapless Indonesian foe Ricky Manufoe in two rounds. Today he will take on Tanzania's Twalib Tuwa (21-5-2, 14KOs) in a 10 round featherweight contest at SM Cith North EDSA's Skydome in Quezon City.
His uncle Gerry, who promotes this event with his Gerrypens Promotions in partnership with ESPN 5, told this writer earlier that he'd be happy either way which decisions his nephews would take. ?But if they decide to fight on, I'll help them,? Gerry said. ?It's really up to them.?
During Saturday's presscon held at ESPN 5 headquarters in Mandaluyong, Gerry said he's hoping to give Dave a regional title fight in his next fight and he hopes Dave could fight for a world title next year.
Dave himself felt he's coming back into the groove and is looking forward to get the big fights in the future. ?In my July fight, I had a difficult time making weight but for this fight, it's easier,? Dave concluded, in whose hands, by his own choice, now carry the responsibility of perpetuating the Pe?alosa family tradition.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
MAGSAYO, MARCIAL REGISTER WINS IN LAS VEGAS
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 20 Jul 2025Pacquiao vs Barrios: Factors of consequence
By Joaquin Henson, Sun, 20 Jul 2025How to Watch Pacquiao vs Barrios in the Philippines
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 20 Jul 2025Final Hours Tick Down: Pacquiao and Barrios Ready for Destiny in Las Vegas
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 19 Jul 2025Philippines Sweeps Kyrgyzstan, Secures Return to Davis Cup Group III
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 19 Jul 2025Blu Girls Bounce Back, Blank Hong Kong 12–0 in Four Innings
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 19 Jul 2025Pacquiao vs. Barrios: Weigh-in Results and Fight Analysis
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 19 Jul 2025Panamanian Star Nataly Delgado wins WBA super flyweight champinship
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 19 Jul 2025Usyk vs Dubois Rematch Marred by Oversaturated Pay-Per-View Market
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 19 Jul 2025Weights from Washington, PA
Sat, 19 Jul 2025Pacquiao and Barrios Make Weight: Final Hurdle Cleared for Blockbuster Saturday Night
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 19 Jul 2025Usyk Registers Career-Heaviest Weight as Dubois Looks Ready for Undisputed Rematch at Wembley
Sat, 19 Jul 2025Rodriguez vs. Cafu Unification Clash Set for Frisco, Texas; All Fighters Make Weight
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 19 Jul 2025LOPEZ VS. VARGAS WEIGHTS FROM PECHANGA RESORT CASINO
Sat, 19 Jul 2025“Bambol” Tolentino in Las Vegas: Supporting Filipino Athletes and Pacquiao
By Carlos Costa, Fri, 18 Jul 2025