Dave Penalosa pumped up for his international debut
By Rich Mazon
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 05 Apr 2013
Dave Penalosa has been eager to fight in the ring again after an eight month layoff. The twenty two year old boxer of the famed Penalosa clan last fought in August of last year, knocking out his opponent in the fourth round of their bout in Manila.
This Saturday, Penalosa is poised to make his return alongside older brother Dodie Jr. in one of the year?s huge boxing event. The brothers will be part of a heavily promoted card by Top Rank Promotions in Macao, China. Both unbeaten, Dave will be facing Cheroenchai Sithsaithong of Thailand as part of this weekend?s hugely promoted boxing event in Asia while Dodie Jr. squares off with another Thai foe.
?Masaya kasi medyo matagal ako nabakante, sabik na ako makalaban uli.? (I?m happy because I have not fought for a long time. I am excited to fight again.) Penalosa expressed during an interview with Philboxing.
The super bantam campaigner has been training since February in Cebu alongside his brother under the watchful eyes of their father, former champ and ring legend, Dodie Sr. He has sparred a total of 52 rounds as part of his preparation for this camp with local boxers from the city with Dodie Sr. keeping a close watch on him and Dodie Jr.
The young boxer has high praises for his father but admitted that it can be overwhelming at times that his legendary father is also his coach in the gym.
?Double pressure kasi di lang sa pagiging tatay ang disiplina niya, as a trainer pa? (I am pressured because he disciplines us as a father and as a trainer too.) said Penalosa.
But he knows that in order to achieve in his chosen career, Dave has to obey Dodie Sr. as a trainer and a father and one who has vast experience in the sport.
?Magtiis sa training kung anu ang pinagagawa niya yun dapat kasi para sa amin naman din ito lahat.? (We have to endure training and follow what he tells us because this is for our won good as boxers.) was his father?s frequent reminder to them during camp.
And that kind of training has given the upstart boxer from Cebu superb conditioning as fight night approaches in the island of Macao.
?I'm in my best condition right now. I am ready to fight.? said Penalosa who relishes his experience in fighting a big card such as Saturday?s event from Top Rank.
?Bihira lang yung mga boksingero na mabigyan nang ganitong opurtunidad. Maraming boksingero na may talentong pinababayaan lang.? (It is rare for boxers to be given this opportunity. There are a lot of boxers with talents but are not being given this opportunity.?) expressed the young boxer.
This Saturday, the Penalosa brothers of today will continue to further the legacy of their clan in the big stage of the Cotai Arena in Macao, and both hope to shine as the attention of the boxing world turns to this peninsula in the Far East.
?Ngayung laban na ito ibibigay ko po yung one hundred percent ko kasi worldwide ito, at makikita sa buong mundo.? (I will give my one hundred percent in this fight because this will be seen all over the world.) Penalosa excitedly expressed.
You can reach the author at rrmaze24@aol.com
Photo: Dave Penalosa flexes his muscles after making weight Friday afternoon at The Venetian Hotel & Casino in Macau. Photo by Dong Secuya.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rich Mazon .
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