Gerry Peñalosa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gerry Peñalosa |
|
|---|---|
Peñalosa in 2008
|
|
| Statistics | |
| Real name | Geronimo J. Peñalosa |
| Nickname(s) | Fearless |
| Rated at |
|
| Height | 5 ft 4 in |
| Reach | 65 in |
| Born | August 7, 1972 San Carlos, Negros Occidental, Philippines |
| Stance | Southpaw |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 65 |
| Wins | 55 |
| Wins by KO | 37 |
| Losses | 8 |
| Draws | 2 |
Geronimo "Gerry" J. Peñalosa (born August 7, 1972) is a Filipino former professional boxer. He competed from 1989 to 2010. Gerry was a world champion in two different weight classes. He held the WBC super-flyweight title from 1997 to 1998. Later, he won the WBO bantamweight title, holding it from 2007 to 2009.
Gerry Peñalosa is from San Carlos, Negros Occidental, Philippines. He now lives in Manila. A famous trainer named Freddie Roach trained him for many years. After he stopped fighting, Gerry became a boxing trainer himself. His older brother, Dodie Boy Peñalosa, was also a world champion boxer.
Contents
Gerry Peñalosa: The Fearless Boxer
Starting His Boxing Journey
Gerry Peñalosa began his professional boxing career in 1989. His very first fight was on May 20, 1989, against Fidel Jubay. Gerry won that fight by a knockout, which means his opponent couldn't continue.
Becoming a World Champion
Gerry worked hard to become a world champion. On February 27, 1997, he won the WBC super-flyweight title. He beat Hiroshi Kawashima in a decision. He successfully defended this title three times, showing he was a strong champion.
However, he lost the title to In-Joo Cho on August 29, 1998. Two years later, he had a rematch with Cho to try and win his title back, but he lost again.
Comeback and New Challenges
Gerry Peñalosa didn't give up easily. In 2001, he challenged Masamori Tokuyama for the WBC super-flyweight title. He lost that fight, and also a rematch in 2002. After these tough losses, Gerry decided to take a break from boxing.
But he couldn't stay away for long! Gerry returned to the ring two years later. In 2004, he won the World Boxing Foundation (WBFo) super-flyweight title. This showed his determination to keep fighting.
Winning a Second World Title
On August 11, 2007, Gerry Peñalosa faced Jhonny González from Mexico. This was a big fight for the WBO bantamweight title. Gerry, who was older and shorter, went down in weight for this match. He managed to defeat the younger Mexican fighter in the 7th round.
In the early rounds, González seemed to be in control, using his jabs to keep Gerry away. But Gerry stayed calm and kept moving forward. In the seventh round, González threw a big punch that missed. For a short moment, González's side was open. Gerry quickly threw a powerful left hook to González's body. The champion fell down and couldn't get back up. This amazing win gave Gerry his second world title in 10 years!
He defended his WBO bantamweight title in Quezon City, Philippines. He stopped Ratanachai Sor Vorapin from Thailand in the eighth round on April 6, 2008. This was the second time Gerry had beaten Sor Vorapin.
In February 2009, Gerry fought German Meraz of Mexico. This fight was not for a title, but Gerry won by a unanimous decision after 10 rounds.
His Final Fights
On April 25, 2009, Gerry fought Juan Manuel López in Puerto Rico. This was a special "Champion versus Champion" match because both fighters held WBO world titles. Gerry had the bantamweight title, and López had the super-bantamweight title.
Both boxers fought hard. López landed more punches, but Gerry kept fighting back. In the ninth round, Gerry's trainer, Freddie Roach, told him he needed a knockout to win. The fight continued, but after the ninth round, Freddie Roach decided to stop the fight to protect Gerry. This was the first time Gerry had lost a fight by knockout.
After the fight, Gerry said López was "too big" for him but that he gave his best. Many people, including his friend Manny Pacquiao, wanted Gerry to retire, saying he had nothing left to prove.
Gerry decided to have one more fight. On February 13, 2010, he faced Eric Morel from Puerto Rico for an interim bantamweight title. Gerry trained hard for this fight. He got a cut over his right eye and then his left eye, which bled a lot. Despite the injuries, he fought bravely and landed strong punches. However, he lost the fight by a split decision, which means the judges had different opinions on who won. Many people, including his trainer Freddie Roach, felt Gerry should have won.
Gerry Peñalosa's very last fight was on October 10, 2010, against Yodsaenkeng Kietmangmee of Thailand. He won this fight by TKO in the 4th round. Gerry finished his 21-year career with 55 wins (37 by knockout), 8 losses, and 2 draws.
Life After Boxing
After retiring from fighting, Gerry Peñalosa became a boxing promoter. He helps other boxers, including his nephew Dave Peñalosa, with their careers. He also served as a trainer for IBF flyweight champion Nonito Donaire in 2008.
Outside the Ring
Gerry also had some fun outside the boxing ring! On April 21, 2008, he appeared on the game show Wheel of Fortune in the Philippines. He won P159,000 (about $3,791) on the show, beating other boxers.
See also
- List of super flyweight boxing champions
- List of bantamweight boxing champions
- List of WBA world champions
- List of WBC world champions
- List of Filipino boxing world champions
