PE?ALOSA'S TITLE DEFENSE MAY HAVE TO WAIT
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 23 May 2008
WBO bantamweight champion Gerry Penalosa 56-6, 36 KO?s) may have to wait for a couple of months more before he defends his title.
While there is a tentative July 19 date for him to fight Isidro (25-4-2, 8 KO?s), Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today learned that Golden Boy Promotions wants Penalosa to wait for the outcome of the title defense of WBO super bantamweight champion Daniel Ponce De Leon whom Penalosa has time and again said he wants to fight, expressing confidence that he can beat Ponce De Leon whom he battled for twelve rounds last year.
Ponce De Leon fights undefeated Puerto Rican Juan Manuel Lopez (21-0, 19 KO?s) at the Boardwalk in Atlantic City on June 7.
There also appears to be a conflict over the date since AJ "Bazooka" Banal is scheduled to fight Rafael Concepcion of Panama for the vacant WBA junior bantamweight title on that same date at the Cebu City Coliseum. Both Banal and Penalosa are handled by Golden Boy Promotions.
Meantime, former world flyweight champion Eric Morel (37-2, 19 KO?s) is targeting a bout with Penalosa, according to Mark Vester of the widely-read website Boxing Scene.
Vester said not only does Morel want a bout with Penalosa, he?s willing to travel to the Philippines for the title opportunity. Vester quoted Morel as telling Primera Hora ?that is the fight I want. It doesn?t matter where it takes place. Penalosa is the one I want and I don?t have the smallest doubt that I will be a world champion again. I know time is passing by, so I want to fight as often as possible to work my way to a shot.?
However, the concern was that a Penalosa-Morel fight won?t be attractive to fans because of Morel?s style which is also that of a boxer and counter-puncher which is similar to Penalosa?s style. Penalosa looks good against an aggressive opponent who likes to come in.
Morel is scheduled to fight Evaristo Primero (14-11-1, 4 KO?s) in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico today. The fight against Primero will be Morel?s third fight this year after he resumed his career following a three-year layoff due to legal problems.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Manny Pacquiao Arrives in LA to Oversee Son Jimuel's Highly Anticipated Pro Debut
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 09 Nov 2025Robert Racasa Shines for the Philippines on First Day of World Memory Championships
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 09 Nov 2025P20k for 42k winners in 3rd SDSPPO
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 09 Nov 2025Weights Set for Tomorrow’s Sanman Boxing Show in General Santos City
Sat, 08 Nov 2025Vergil Ortiz vs. Erickson Lubin: Can Lubin Tip the Ortiz/Ennis Apple Cart?
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 08 Nov 2025Gibbons’ ‘Thrilla’ regrets
By Joaquin Henson, Sat, 08 Nov 2025Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Erickson Lubin Set for Explosive Showdown in Fort Worth
Sat, 08 Nov 2025Ring Officials Announced for Michael Hunter Vs Eli Frankham - York Hall, 5th December
Sat, 08 Nov 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Baseball in the Sulaimán Family
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Sat, 08 Nov 2025Shields signs $8 million multi year contract with Salita Promotions
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 08 Nov 2025A TIBUTE TO VICTOR CONTE
Sat, 08 Nov 2025Lhuillier Lauds RP Blu Boys’ Triumph in Japan Tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 08 Nov 2025FIDE Rated Chess Tournament Pasig Police Board Patrol Checkpoint Challenge
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 08 Nov 2025MANNY PACQUIAO VS. FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. ONCE AGAIN
By Maloney L. Samaco, Fri, 07 Nov 2025NBA Reportedly Met with Congress Regarding Gambling Issues
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 07 Nov 2025