PACQUIAO WATCH: In the footsteps of Manny
By Edwin G. Espejo
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 25 Apr 2009
BANTAMWEIGHT king Gerry Pe?alosa will try to annex the super bantamweight title to make himself the second Filipino to hold world boxing crowns in three different weight categories.
Pe?alosa is a veteran of many ring wars but has never been knocked out in 62 professional fights. He lost six of them but all were close if not disputed decisions and fighting in foreign soil.
At 36 years old, he may have seen the top of the hill and on his way down. But he still has what it takes to win another crown.
His longevity is largely due to his superior boxing skills and very tight defense. Gerry has never been badly hurt in all his professional fights, too.
By far, Gerry is the most gifted and skilled fighter to emerge from Philippine boxing scene ? barring none.
But he will be up against a dangerous young upstart in Juan Manuel Lopez whose ring exploit is marked by first round victories over his last three fights.
Gerry is likewise going up in weight where he previously lost to a controversial decision to Daniel Ponce de Leon, from whom Lopez grabbed the crown via first round stoppage.
Although long shot, I will have Gerry pulling a major upset and join Manny Pacquiao as the only Filipino boxers to break into the elite cast of three-weight class champions.
Juan Manuel Lopez is a cut for Gerry?s style. It is like throwing fish into a pond.
Coach Freddie Roach is right. Gerry will have to avoid the booming and thundering punches of Lopez in the early going and at the same time sneak in his right hooks and uppercuts.
Lopez will likely bulldoze his way in the early rounds and press for early knockout victory.
But the Puerto Rican will be in for a big surprise as Gerry is not known to buckle under pressure but likes to mix it up with aggressive foes.
If I were to bet, I will place my money on Gerry Pe?alosa winning by stunning knockout in the 7th round.
It would by an April triple whammy for Filipino boxers with Nonito Donaire keeping his Flyweight crown and Brian Viloria winning the light flyweight title last April 19.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Edwin G. Espejo.
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