“I WANT TO RETIRE A CHAMPION” - GERRY PENALOSA
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 23 Oct 2009
Mandaluyong City – Gerry Penalosa looked fit and trim when he arrived at his gym at the Marketplace Shopping Mall Wednesday afternoon. He has not fought for six months but he looked like he could go twelve rounds at a moment's notice.
Penalosa said that he has not yet seen the official contract for his December fight against WBO bantamweight champ Fernando Montiel of Mexico. He said that he has even heard rumors that Montiel plans to move up in weight. But, Penalosa said that he is ready to fight Montiel or anybody, as long a world title belt is on the line.
“I will only fight for a world title. I want to retire as champion.” Penalosa said.
Regarding the possibility that he could face countryman Z “The Dream” Gorres in the near future, Penalosa said that he considers Gorres a friend and a good person. “But, if it is ordered by the WBO, then I have no choice.”
If given a choice, Gerry would rather fight another Mexican, Abner Mares, who is undefeated in 19 fights with 12 KO's. The 37 year old Penalosa (54 W -7 L -2 D, 36 KO's) has been a pro for twenty years now. He attributes his longevity and boxing knowledge from his willingness to learn. “I trained under many American trainers. I assimilated all the good things they taught me. At certain points in my career, I hired nutritionists and conditioning coaches so I could learn from them as well.”
Penalosa did not lose his WBO bantamweight title in the ring. He lost to Juan Manuel Lopez when he moved up one division higher in his attempt to win a third world title. The fire still burns after two decades. Penalosa wants to leave the fight game on top. For us who followed his career through the years, we know he deserves nothing less.
Top photo: Gerry Penalosa (L) with Team Pacquiao member Jojo Sta. Teresa pose for photo at the Penalosa Gym in Mandaluyong Wednesday afternoon. Photo by Dong Secuya.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Jerwin Ancajas Set for IBF Mandatory Eliminator Against Former World Champ Ryosuke Nishida; Winner Fights Naoya Inoue
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 11 Sep 2025“Night of Champions” Returns to Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando on September 19
Thu, 11 Sep 2025Local Favorite Bryce Mills Tops First Boxing Card At del Lago Resort & Casino
Thu, 11 Sep 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaiman: It´s Fightweek Fight: Canelo vs. Crawford
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Wed, 10 Sep 2025Casimero comeback next month in Kyrgyzstan?
By Nick Giongco, Wed, 10 Sep 2025Team USA Concludes Day Six of 2025 World Boxing Championships
Wed, 10 Sep 2025Andrade, Garras rule Milo marathon in Tagum
Wed, 10 Sep 2025CROCKER-DONOVAN II: INSIDE LOOK AT FIRST FACE-OFF IN BELFAST
Wed, 10 Sep 2025Former Panamanian WBA champ Jorge Lujan hospitalized
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 10 Sep 2025Southern Sports Heroes Night on Sept. 28
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 10 Sep 2025ABAP feels WB’s growing pains
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 10 Sep 2025Laurente is new Philippine super featherweight champ
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 10 Sep 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 8 SEPTEMBER 2025: Nunez Outpoints Diaz; Iglesias Stops Shishkin; Valdez, Conlan Register Wins in Return
By Eric Armit, Tue, 09 Sep 2025Dante Kirkman Stays Undefeated Triumphing with Dominant Unanimous Decision Win
Tue, 09 Sep 2025Dream fight for Steven Sumpter vs. Undefeated Bek Nurmaganbet This Wednesday at Fontainebleau Las Vegas during ‘Canelo vs. Crawford’ Week
Tue, 09 Sep 2025