In Jonathan’s memory
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 15 May 2025
Jonathan Peñalosa.
Former WBA flyweight title challenger and boxing coach Jonathan Peñalosa passed away at 9:30 pm last April 28, succumbing to colon cancer a week before he would’ve turned 58. But while Peñalosa will be missed by loved ones and friends, his memory will live on through the exploits of the fighters whom he has inspired to bring honor to the country and secure a better tomorrow for their families.
One of his fighters, newly-crowned Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) bantamweight champion Kenneth Llover, wears fighting shorts with Peñalosa’s name stitched at the hem. Llover, 22, boasts a 14-0 record, with nine KOs and has won his last two fights by a first round stoppage, both in Japan. He is now ranked No. 11 by IBF and No. 15 by WBC.
Llover's fighting shorts with Jonathan Peñalosa's name etched on it.
“Jonathan was with Kenneth in Japan last December fighting (Tulio Dekanarudo) for the interim OPBF title and would’ve been with him for the OPBF championship fight (against Keita Kurihara) in Japan last March,” said Peñalosa’s brother Gerry who is Llover’s manager. “Jonathan already had his plane ticket but the doctor didn’t allow him to travel because of his condition as that was when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer.”
Gerry said he’s not rushing Llover into a world title shot. “Kenneth still needs improvement to compete at the world-class level but he is for real,” he noted. “Negotiations are ongoing for his next fight which could be in Manila in July. Kenneth’s coach is now Dindo Campo who was Jonathan’s assistant.”
Before Peñalosa died, Gerry visited him at the Riverside Medical Center in Bacolod. “I told him I need him to take care of Kenneth and Ken Danila, stand up and fight,” said Gerry, hoping to boost his brother’s spirits. “I whispered to him I love you and you will always be important to us.” Danila, 20, is a lightweight contender with a 5-0 record, including four KOs, all in the first round. Peñalosa is survived by his wife Marites, four children and five grandchildren.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
In Jonathan’s memory
By Joaquin Henson, Thu, 15 May 2025WATCH: HITCHINS AND KAMBOSOS JR IN INTENSE FACE-OFF WITH ONE MONTH UNTIL NYC SHOWDOWN
Thu, 15 May 2025Toledo-Xignex Trojans finally win the PCAP online team chess tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 15 May 2025Former WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Nazarena Romero to Exercise Immediate Rematch Clause Against Mayelli Flores Rosquero
Thu, 15 May 2025Pacquiao's Controversial WBC Ranking Explained: "Legend" Status Cited Amid July Return
By Dong Secuya, Thu, 15 May 2025No-contest ruling awaited
By Joaquin Henson, Thu, 15 May 2025FISHER VS. ALLEN 2 + UNDERCARD FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Thu, 15 May 2025Tyler Langer Defeats Raphael Carolina By Unanimous Decision in Headline Bout of Jeter Promotions Card at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, Maryland
Thu, 15 May 2025Canelo vs. Crawford Bout Faces Date and Venue Shift
By Dong Secuya, Wed, 14 May 2025BROADCAST TEAM ANNOUNCED FOR “CHAMPIONING MENTAL HEALTH: A NIGHT OF BOXING” ON THURSDAY, MAY 22
Wed, 14 May 2025UNBEATEN AMATEUR WORLD CHAMPION TIAH-MAI AYTON SIGNS PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM
Wed, 14 May 2025Arum Targets Manila Rematch: Navarrete vs. Suarez 2 Eyed for Thrilla in Manila Anniversary
By Dong Secuya, Wed, 14 May 2025Ron Johnson’s American Dream Presents & Nothing But Sportz Announce “The Caribbean Clash” Boxing Event at Miami’s James L. Knight Center on Saturday, August 9
Wed, 14 May 2025Francis Chua is Fighting for Family in Comeback fight as he eyes Future fight with Harry Garside
Tue, 13 May 2025Pacquiao Falls Short in Senate Bid, Eyes WBC Title in Stunning Boxing Comeback
By Dong Secuya, Tue, 13 May 2025