The Penalosa legacy continues with Dodie Jr.
By Rich Mazon
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 09 Dec 2012
Las Vegas, Nevada ? Former World Champion Dodie Boy Penalosa watched intently as his son, Dodie Jr. shadow boxed at the Top Rank Gym in Las Vegas last Thursday. He then instructed him in a mild manner to end the exercises and motion him to perform some sit-ups at a yoga mat that was already placed in the floor.
He looked at his eldest son as Dodie Jr. exercised his core at the back of the gym, across the ring where Filipino boxing icon, Manny Pacquiao was training. The elder Penalosa then came over to his son and handed him the towel to wipe the sweat off his face.
?Tama na iyan. Okay na iyan.? (That?s enough. That is fine.) Dodie Sr. told his son.
Penalosa Jr. is following in his father and uncle?s footsteps as warriors of the ring. And today, he will make his debut in the Fight Capital of the world and his first fight out of his country.
The young boxer will face Jesus Lule- Raya of Fort Myers, Florida in an eight round Featherweight (126 lb. limit) match in his inaugural fight in U.S. soil in no less than the last big boxing event of the year.
The undefeated boxer of 9 fights is both excited and inspired to be part of the fourth fight of Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
?Inspired ako kasi makakalaban ako kasama ng idol ko.? (I am inspired because I will be fighting with my idol.) stated Penalosa Jr.
The boxer out of Cebu City will not only fight tonight with the most popular boxer in the world, his idol and a personal friend of their family, he also shared plenty of time with Pacquiao during his preparations for this fight.
Both trained at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood and handled by Coaches Buboy Fernandez and Nonoy Neri, Pacquiao?s closest aides in his training camps. Add to that the knowledge that is imparted by his father and uncle who both had decorated careers in the sport.
?Lagi po yung communication namin ni Papa. Hindi ko kaya kung wala siya. Siya yung aking gabay.? (I always communicate with Papa. I cannot do this without him. He is my guide.) Dodie Jr. admitted.
His uncle Gerry also provide tips on his fights and training, a valuable tool for this boxing prospect who is confident of scoring a win tonight.
?Kumpiyansa ako, mahirap yung training. Malaki ang kumpiyansa kong manalo.? (I am confident, training was tough. I am very confident that I will win.)stated Dodie Jr.
The 22 year old boxer is ready to make his family and country proud by pouring it all in the ring in front of their eyes.
?Ibibigay ko po lahat. Dream ko po ito na makalaban dito. Hindi ko po kayo bibiguin, ipapalabas ko po lahat ng makakaya ko.? (I will give it all. This is my dream to fight here and I will show everything that I have.) assured Dodie Jr.
But even if he has not fought yet, Dodie Sr. is already beaming with pride of his son who decided to follow his footsteps.
?I am very proud of him.? Dodie Sr. stated with eyes lightening up.
?First fight niya dito (U.S.) at undercard pa ni Manny, I am very proud of that.? (It is his first fight here and also in the undercard of Manny, I am very proud of that.) elaborated the former legend of Philippine boxing.
?Sana mabigyan din namin ng magandang laban at manalo tayo. Sana lahat ng Pilipino manalo.? (I hope that we can give a good fight and win. I hope all Filipinos will win.) Dodie Sr. said as he looked at his son step in the weighing scales of the gym.
?Okay na, kuha na.? (It is now okay. We got it.) Dodie Sr. told his son as he moved the scales across the bar to check on his son?s current weight.
He then brought Dodie Jr. his duffel bag so the younger Penalosa can go change after his workout. He accompanied him to the dressing room as he put back the jumping ropes in their bag.
The bond between father and son does not change despite sharing the harshness and toughness of the sport that they love and practice.
It was the sport that has brought fame and recognition to the Penalosa name and Dodie Boy Jr. aims to continue it.
You can reach the author at rrmaze24@aol.com
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rich Mazon .
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